The K.P.S. Menon Memorial Award will be presented to Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao by K.P.S. Menon (Junior), former Foreign Secretary in a function at C.S.N. Auditorium, Ottapalam on Monday.
The award instituted by Sri Chettur Sankaran Nair Cultural Centre in memory of legendary diplomat late K.P.S. Menon who hailed from Ottapalam.
Mrs. Nirumapa Rao was selected for the award for her multifarious talents who has resemblance in many ways to those of the legendary figure in whose name she is given this award.
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She has fulfilled several assignments at the top most echelons of administration, especially those connected with foreign affairs of India, said Sri Chettur Sankaran Nair Cultural Centre Vice President P.T. Narendra Menon.
Mrs. Rao, who hails from Meenpatt Tharavadu in Malappuram town, is an expert in Asia-Pacific security, the first woman-spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs and India’s first woman Ambassador to China.
A brilliant civil servant of impeccable integrity, Mrs. Rao, is also a poet and singer, he said.
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The award function will be presided over by M.B. Rajesh, M.P.
The four-day long music and dance festival organized as part of the award ceremony will be inaugurated by Mrs. Rao at the same venue on Monday.
It will be followed by Hindusthani vocal concert by Ms. Rasika Vartak (Vocal); S. Madhusoodan (Tabla) and Madhusoodan Bhat (Harmonium) at 6.30 p.m.
The programme will conclude with Odissi dance by Sandeepa Palit.