It was a ceremony with a difference when the Pride of Tamil Nadu 2017 awards were presented to achievers in the city on Sunday. Alongside the main event, farmers in distress were provided with financial assistance at the function organised by the Madras South Round Table 39 on Sunday.
Actor Vishal and Sathyabama University pro-Chancellor Mariazeena Johnson handed over the cheques, including education scholarships to the families of the farmers.
Former Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthi and Vishal presented the awards to IAS officers P. Amudha and K. Vijayakartikeyan, Bharatanatyam exponent Padma Subrahmanyam, pianist Anil Srinivasan, actor Siva Karthikeyan, music director Anirudh Ravichander and journalist Madhan.
Sports luminaries
From the field of sports, former Indian hockey captain Baskaran and skating champion Dharshini were given the awards.
The jury included Kasturi and Sons Limited director Nirmala Lakshman, Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Thenandal Films CEO Hema Rukmani and actor Simran.
