RAJASTHANI ASSOCIATION TAMILNADU HONORS CHANGEMAKERS AT THE RAJAS THANI-TAMIL SEVA AWARDS 2025
Recognizing Excellence in Service, Care & Social Impact
Chennai, March 16, 2025: The Rajasthani A ssociation Tamilnadu on behalf of the Rajas thani community in Tamil Nadu and Puduch erry, proudly hosted the first-ever Rajasthan ni Tamil Seva Awards 2025 honoring individ duals and institutions w ho have made an e xceptional contributi on to the good of the p eople of 2 states .
The event, held at D.G. Vaishnav College ,C hennai, today witnessed the presence of di istinguished dignitaries, social leaders, and changemakers from diverse field s. Hon’ble Mr Justice K. R. Shriram, Chief Justice of t he Madras High Court graced the function as the chief guest and presented the awar ds. CA Shri S. Gurumurthy, Editor, the Tamil weekly Tughlaq & the head of jury for the a ward, unveiled th e first ever services direct ory of the com munity, Rajasthanis in Tamil nadu: 100 years of Legacy.
🏆 WINNERS OF THE RAJASTHANI-TA MIL SEVA AWARDS 2025
1. Dr. Irai Anbu, Former Chief Secretary, Go vernment of Tamilnadu, was awarded in the category of Public Service, a man whose wi sdom, leadership, and service have left an indelible mark on governance, education, a nd literature in India. Ranked 15th in the All India Civil Services Examination (1988), he rose to become Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secreta ry, driving lan dmark reforms in administrat ion, enviro onment, and tourism. He has led key institutions, shaping policies that foster sustainable growth and economic progress. A mentor and guide, he has trained 100 +IA S officers, shaped 50+ Ph.D. scholars, and c ounseled students across 50+ institutions. His 2,000+ speeches, 1,500+ T V appearanc es, and 1,000+ radio talks h ave ignited min ds across the nation. A prolific author of 17 9 books, his work on Thirukkural and Puran aanooru has earne d global recognition, bri dging ancient wi sdom with modern leader ship.
For his extraordinary contributions, the jury chosen to honor a mentor, a leader, a schol ar, a visionary and an inspiration— Dr.Irai A nbu
2. Shri. C.D. Sanath Kumar was chosen in the field of education. Founder, Camb bridg e / Indus Valley Senior Secondary S chools, a visionary whose work has touched lives, b uilt communities, and shaped the future thr ough education, healthcare, and rural devel opment. For over 35 years, Shri C. D. Sanat h Kumar has been a f orce for change, foun ding Sanathkumar Foundation, Cambridge Public-School (CBSE), Anandamayee Gate d Communit y for Senior Citizens, Anandam Spine & J oint Clinic, and the Rural Informa tive Centre in collaboration with IIT Madras. Hi s impact is deeply felt in Krishnagiri and Kaveripattinam, Tamil Nadu. Ineducation, h e has created a system that goes be yond textbooks—blending Indian values with yo ga, meditation, sports, and cutting-edge le arning from IIT and ISRO scientists. He has brought rocket science to the classroom, ig niting young minds with dreams of space.H e believes in learning b y doing. His organic farming program, in augurated by Dr. APJ A bdul Kalam, teaches students the value of a griculture no t in theory, but with their hand s in the soil. His story is so inspiring, it beca me a N ational Award-winning biopic, direct ed by Vasanth Sai (2017). His journey is als o captured in Chakkara Yaagam, a biograph y released last year in Chennai.
For his relentless dedication to service, i nn ovation, and nation-building, the jury chose to honor Shri C. D. Sanath Kumar with this prestigious award.
3. Shri M Yoganathan, Tree Man of India, w as awarded in the field of Environmental S ustainability. A man whose relentless dedi cation to environmental conserv ation has t ransformed Tamilnadu. For 3 6 years, he ha s planted and nurtured 35 lakhs saplings, tu rning barren lands into green havens and in spiring thousands to take up the cause. His journey began as a bus conductor in Coimb atore, where h e started distributing free sa plings to passengers, proving that small act ions can lead to great change. With a perso onal in vestment of over ₹30 lakhs, he has d edic ated his life to protecting our environm ent. His impact has been nationally reco gni zed—Prime Minister Narendra Modi honore d him in “Mann Ki Baat” (2021), and he has received awards like “Pasumai Porali,” “Rea l Hero,” “Green Hero Award d,” and “Climate Warrior.” Visionaries lik e Dr. A.P.J. Abdul K alam, Mukesh Amban ni, and Allu Arjun hav e applauded his ex traordinary efforts. Beyo nd planting tre ees, he inspires thousands o f students, spreading awareness and ignitin g a passion for a greener future.
A true guardian of nature, his work is a test ament to the power of one person’s commit ment to change. The jury chose to celebrate the incredible contributions o f Shri M. Yog anathan.
4. Swami Vivekananda Rural Development Society (SVRDS), was awarded in the field of Social Welfare, for Transform ing Rural Lives Since 1979. For 45 years, Swami Vive kananda Rural Development Society (SVRD S) has been a pillar of holi sticrural develop ment, reaching 1,000 villages across 12 dis tricts of Tamil Nadu. Under the leadership o f Shri S.Vedantam Ji, its initiatives in educa tion, healthcare, sanitation, water conserva tion, and s kill development have empower ed lakhs of rural families.Evening schools e nrich 27,000 children with supplementary a nd cultural education. Healthcare camps ha ve provided eye screenings, cancer detectio n, and vaccinations to 20,000 villa gers. 3,7 00+ individual toilets built, ens uring hygien e and dignity for 20,000 people. 100+ pond s desilted, securing water access for 2,50,0 00 villagers. 1,500+ youth trained, with 80% securing stable jobs in their villages. 700+ women trained in driving, gaining licenses and employment opportunities. For its extra ordinary service, SVRDS has been recogniz ed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Go vernor of Tamil Nadu.
The association honoured Dr R. Krisshan, p resident of the society, for their unwavering commitment to building a self-reliant, empo wered rural India.
Hon’ble Mr Justice K. R. Shriram, Chief Just ice of the Madras High Court, mentioned:
“I’m delighted to see the Rajasthani Associa tion’s Tamil Seva Awards honoring individu als and institutions for their selfless contri butions. Their work embodies the ethos of compassion,empathy, and service that is e ssential for building a just and equitable so ciety. I’m particularly heartened to see the e mphasis on education for children and the young, as it is through education that we ca n empower future generations to become a ctive citiizens and drivers of positive chan ge. The se awardees are beacons of hope, inspiring us all to strive towards creating a mo re compassionate, equitable, and just society.”
CA Shri S. Gurumurthy, Editor, the Tamil we ekly Tughlaq & the head of jury for the awa rd, expressed:
“It’s a moment of great pride to be part of t his initiative, honoring individuals and insti tutions for their selfless contributions. I fir mly believe that true leadership is about se rving others and creating a positive impact. These awardees embody this spirit, inspir ing future generations to take up social res ponsibility. India’s strength lies in its collec tive consciousness, and it’s heartening to s ee individuals ma king a tangible difference . Let us celebrate these changemakers, a ck nowledge th e power of community, and stri ve towar ds a more compassionate society.
Each awardee was welcomed sir traditio nal Rajasthani safa (turban) & was presented w ith a trophy, acitation, & ₹2 lakh prize, reinfo rcing the Rajasthani commu nity’s commitm ent to recognizing those who drive meaning ful change.RAJASTHANI ASSOCIATION TA MILNADu HONORS CHANGEMAKERS AT T HE RAJASTHANI-TAMIL SEVA AWARDS 20 25
From 231 nominations across 25 cities a nd towns of tamilnadu, a meticulous thr ee-st age selection process identified four outs t tanding individuals whose service has left a lasting impact.
A six-member jury, chaired by CA Shri S. Gu rumurthy, carefully reviewed each nominati on. Jury members included:
✔️ Shri N. Ravi – Former Editor-in-Chie f, The Hindu
✔️ Padma Vibhushan Smt. Padma Subra maniam – Renowned Bharatanatyam D ancer
✔️ Shri N. Sugalchand Jain – Industrialis t & Philanthropist
✔️ Prof. P. Balagurusamy – Eminent Aca demician & Former Vice-Chancellor
✔️ Praveen Tatia – Ex-officio, President, Rajasthani Association Tamilnadu & Me mber, Minority Commission, Govt. of Ta mil Nadu
The winners exemplify excellence in educat ion, environmental sustainability, public ser vice, and social welfare, representing the hi ghest standards of community impact.
🔹 A MILESTONE PUBLICATION: ‘RAJAS THANIS IN TAMIL NADU – 100 YEARS OF LEGACY’
A highlight of the event was the launch of a landmark publication, ‘Rajasthanis i n Tamil Nadu: 100 Years of Legacy’, chronicling a c entury of philanthropy, and social contributi tions by Rajasthanis in Tamil Nadu. The boo k was formally unveiled by CA Shri S. Guru murthy, serving as a testament to the deep-rooted values of service and care that defin e the Rajastha ani community.
🔹 A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Mr. Praveen Kumar Tatia, President of the Association, emphasized:
“These awards reflect our vision to celebrat e those making a real difference, fos sterin g stronger bonds between communities for a shared future of growth and prosperity.”
Mr. Narendra Srisrimal, Chairman of the Raj asthani-Tamil Seva Awards, added:
“We are proud to honor these change man ge makers. Their stories will inspire future generations to take up the mantle of social responsibility.”
CA Anil Khicha, Convenor, Rajasthani-Tamil Seva Awards, expressed:
“The overwhelming response from the 2 31 nominees has proved the relevance of the initiative. We are honored to have sparked a ‘positive virus of goodness’ that will spread far and wide across both states.”
The Rajasthani-Tamil Seva Awards will be a n annual event, establishing itself as a pre stigious platform to recognize, encourage, and celebrate exceptional contributions to society.
CA Shri S Gurumurthy appreciated the ass ociations working backward from the laun ch function on December 21, 2024 & succe ssfully carrying out the award process as c ommitted. The initiative will go a long way in expanding the care & concern for the pe ople in TamilNadu, he expressed.
The chief guest of the function honourable ble Mr justice K R Shriram, chief justice of madras high court, lauded the initiative by the Rajasthani community & expressed tha t it will go a long way to build social instituti ons & the spirit of care concern in TamilNa du & Puducherry.
The general secretary Shri Hemant Dug ar thanked each & everyone who was in strum ental in making the function meaningful & a success.
About Rajasthani AssociationTamilnadu http://www.rajasthaniassntn.in/
Founded in 1967 under the visionary leader ship of Shri G.P. Shah and inaugurated by th e late Shri C.N. Annadurai, the then Chief Mi nister of Tamilnadu, the Rajasthani Associa ation Tamilnadu has been at the forefront of social service, cultura ral promotion, and co mmunity welfare. Over the decades, the As sociation has impacted thousands of lives through initiatives such as scholarship pro grams dis tributing over a crore to deservin g stude nts across Tamilnadu—and healthc are services including medical camps and cancer screenings benefiting more than 10, 000 individuals. The Mohini devi Hirachand Nahar Rajasthani Dharmasala provides free food and shelter to over 200 cancer patien ts daily, highlighting the Assocciation’s unw avering commitment to supporting those in need.
Through cultural events such as Rajasthani Melas and exhibitions, the Association con tinues to promote the rich heritage of the R ajasthani community while fo stering unity and inclusivity in Tamilnadu.