RAJASTHANI ASSOCIATION TAMILNADU HONORS CHANGEMAKERS AT THE RAJASTHANI-TAMIL SEVA AWARDS 2025
Recognizing Excellence in Service, Care & Social Impact
Chennai, March 16, 2025: The Rajasthani Association Tamilnadu on behalf of the Rajasthani community in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, proudly hosted the first-ever Rajasthani-Tamil Seva Awards 2025, honoring individuals and institutions who have made an exceptional contribution to the good of the people of 2 states.
The event, held at D.G. Vaishnav College, Chennai, today witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries, social leaders, and changemakers from diverse fields. Hon’ble Mr Justice K. R. Shriram, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court graced the function as the chief guest and presented the awards. CA Shri S. Gurumurthy, Editor, the Tamil weekly Tughlaq & the head of jury for the award, unveiled the first ever services directory of the community, Rajasthanis in Tamilnadu: 100 years of Legacy.
🏆 WINNERS OF THE RAJASTHANI-TAMIL SEVA AWARDS 2025
- Dr. Irai Anbu, Former Chief Secretary, Government of Tamilnadu, was awarded in the category of Public Service, a man whose wisdom, leadership, and service have left an indelible mark on governance, education, and literature in India. Ranked 15th in the All India Civil Services Examination (1988), he rose to become Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary, driving landmark reforms in administration, environment, and tourism. He has led key institutions, shaping policies that foster sustainable growth and economic progress. A mentor and guide, he has trained 100+ IAS officers, shaped 50+ Ph.D. scholars, and counseled students across 50+ institutions. His 2,000+ speeches, 1,500+ TV appearances, and 1,000+ radio talks have ignited minds across the nation. A prolific author of 179 books, his work on Thirukkural and Puranaanooru has earned global recognition, bridging ancient wisdom with modern leadership.
For his extraordinary contributions, the jury chosen to honor a mentor, a leader, a scholar, a visionary and an inspiration— Dr. Irai Anbu - Shri. C.D. Sanath Kumar was chosen in the field of education. Founder, Cambridge / Indus Valley Senior Secondary Schools, a visionary whose work has touched lives, built communities, and shaped the future through education, healthcare, and rural development. For over 35 years, Shri C. D. Sanath Kumar has been a force for change, founding Sanathkumar Foundation, Cambridge Public e-School (CBSE), Anandamayee Gated Community for Senior Citizens, Anandam Spine & Joint Clinic, and the Rural Informative Centre in collaboration with IIT Madras. His impact is deeply felt in Krishnagiri and Kaveripattinam, Tamil Nadu. In education, he has created a system that goes beyond textbooks—blending Indian values with yoga, meditation, sports, and cutting-edge learning from IIT and ISRO scientists. He has brought rocket science to the classroom, igniting young minds with dreams of space.He believes in learning by doing. His organic farming program, inaugurated by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, teaches students the value of agriculture—not in theory, but with their hands in the soil. His story is so inspiring, it became a National Award-winning biopic, directed by Vasanth Sai (2017). His journey is also captured in Chakkara Yaagam, a biography released last year in Chennai.
For his relentless dedication to service, innovation, and nation-building, the jury chose to honor Shri C. D. Sanath Kumar with this prestigious award.
- Shri M Yoganathan, Tree Man of India, was awarded in the field of Environmental Sustainability. A man whose relentless dedication to environmental conservation has transformed Tamilnadu. For 36 years, he has planted and nurtured 35 lakhs saplings, turning barren lands into green havens and inspiring thousands to take up the cause. His journey began as a bus conductor in Coimbatore, where he started distributing free saplings to passengers, proving that small actions can lead to great change. With a personal investment of over ₹30 lakhs, he has dedicated his life to protecting our environment. His impact has been nationally recognized—Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored him in “Mann Ki Baat” (2021), and he has received awards like “Pasumai Porali,” “Real Hero,” “Green Hero Award,” and “Climate Warrior.” Visionaries like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Mukesh Ambani, and Allu Arjun have applauded his extraordinary efforts. Beyond planting trees, he inspires thousands of students, spreading awareness and igniting a passion for a greener future.
A true guardian of nature, his work is a testament to the power of one person’s commitment to change. The jury chose to celebrate the incredible contributions of Shri M. Yoganathan. - Swami Vivekananda Rural Development Society (SVRDS), was awarded in the field of Social Welfare, for Transforming Rural Lives Since 1979. For 45 years, Swami Vivekananda Rural Development Society (SVRDS) has been a pillar of holistic rural development, reaching 1,000 villages across 12 districts of Tamil Nadu. Under the leadership of Shri S. Vedantam Ji, its initiatives in education, healthcare, sanitation, water conservation, and skill development have empowered lakhs of rural families.Evening schools enrich 27,000 children with supplementary and cultural education. Healthcare camps have provided eye screenings, cancer detection, and vaccinations to 20,000 villagers. 3,700+ individual toilets built, ensuring hygiene and dignity for 20,000 people. 100+ ponds desilted, securing water access for 2,50,000 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 extraordinary service, SVRDS has been recognized by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Governor of Tamil Nadu.
The association honoured Dr R. Krishnan, president of the society, for their unwavering commitment to building a self-reliant, empowered rural India.
Hon’ble Mr Justice K. R. Shriram, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, mentioned:
“I’m delighted to see the Rajasthani Association’s Tamil Seva Awards honoring individuals and institutions for their selfless contributions. Their work embodies the ethos of compassion, empathy, and service that is essential for building a just and equitable society. I’m particularly heartened to see the emphasis on education for children and the young, as it is through education that we can empower future generations to become active citizens and drivers of positive change. These awardees are beacons of hope, inspiring us all to strive towards creating a more compassionate, equitable, and just society.”
CA Shri S. Gurumurthy, Editor, the Tamil weekly Tughlaq & the head of jury for the award, expressed:
“It’s a moment of great pride to be part of this initiative, honoring individuals and institutions for their selfless contributions. I firmly believe that true leadership is about serving others and creating a positive impact. These awardees embody this spirit, inspiring future generations to take up social responsibility. India’s strength lies in its collective consciousness, and it’s heartening to see individuals making a tangible difference. Let us celebrate these changemakers, acknowledge the power of community, and strive towards a more compassionate society.”
Each awardee was welcomed sir traditional Rajasthani safa (turban) & was presented with a trophy, a citation, & ₹2 lakh prize, reinforcing the Rajasthani community’s commitment to recognizing those who drive meaningful change.
From 231 nominations across 25 cities and towns of tamilnadu, a meticulous three-stage selection process identified four outstanding individuals whose service has left a lasting impact.
A six-member jury, chaired by CA Shri S. Gurumurthy, carefully reviewed each nomination. Jury members included:
✔️ Shri N. Ravi – Former Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu
✔️ Padma Vibhushan Smt. Padma Subramaniam – Renowned Bharatanatyam Dancer
✔️ Shri N. Sugalchand Jain – Industrialist & Philanthropist
✔️ Prof. P. Balagurusamy – Eminent Academician & Former Vice-Chancellor
✔️ Praveen Tatia – Ex-officio, President, Rajasthani Association Tamilnadu & Member, Minority Commission, Govt. of Tamil Nadu
The winners exemplify excellence in education, environmental sustainability, public service, and social welfare, representing the highest standards of community impact.
🔹 A MILESTONE PUBLICATION: ‘RAJASTHANIS IN TAMIL NADU – 100 YEARS OF LEGACY’
A highlight of the event was the launch of a landmark publication, ‘Rajasthanis in Tamil Nadu: 100 Years of Legacy’, chronicling a century of philanthropy, and social contributions by Rajasthanis in Tamil Nadu. The book was formally unveiled by CA Shri S. Gurumurthy, serving as a testament to the deep-rooted values of service and care that define the Rajasthani community.
🔹 A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Mr. Praveen Kumar Tatia, President of the Association, emphasized:
“These awards reflect our vision to celebrate those making a real difference, fostering stronger bonds between communities for a shared future of growth and prosperity.”
Mr. Narendra Srisrimal, Chairman of the Rajasthani-Tamil Seva Awards, added:
“We are proud to honor these changemakers. 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 231 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 an annual event, establishing itself as a prestigious platform to recognize, encourage, and celebrate exceptional contributions to society.
CA Shri S Gurumurthy appreciated the associations working backward from the launch function on December 21, 2024 & successfully carrying out the award process as committed. The initiative will go a long way in expanding the care & concern for the people in TamilNadu, he expressed.
The chief guest of the function honourable Mr justice K R Shriram, chief justice of madras high court, lauded the initiative by the Rajasthani community & expressed that it will go a long way to build social institutions & the spirit of care / concern in TamilNadu & Puducherry.
The general secretary Shri Hemant Dugar thanked each & everyone who was instrumental in making the function meaningful & a success.
About Rajasthani Association Tamilnadu: http://www.rajasthaniassntn.in/
Founded in 1967 under the visionary leadership of Shri G.P. Shah and inaugurated by the late Shri C.N. Annadurai, the then Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, the Rajasthani Association Tamilnadu has been at the forefront of social service, cultural promotion, and community welfare. Over the decades, the Association has impacted thousands of lives through initiatives such as scholarship programs—distributing over a crore to deserving students across Tamilnadu—and healthcare services including medical camps and cancer screenings benefiting more than 10,000 individuals. The Mohinidevi Hirachand Nahar Rajasthani Dharmasala provides free food and shelter to over 200 cancer patients daily, highlighting the Association’s unwavering commitment to supporting those in need.
Through cultural events such as Rajasthani Melas and exhibitions, the Association continues to promote the rich heritage of the Rajasthani community while fostering unity and inclusivity in Tamilnadu.
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