Latest news with #LifetimeAchievementAward
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
TNCC to recognise people who worked for marginalised people
TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai on Saturday said that Tamil Nadu Congress Charitable trust will recognise people who have dedicated their lives for the upliftment of marginalised people, society and the country with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony will take place on former Congress president and Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary on August 20. Making the announcement, he said that the awardees will be selected based on recommendation by a committee. 'The jury will be headed by former High Court Chief justice, Manikumar, and Dr. Sowmya Swaminathan and news anchor M. Gunasekaran will be part of the jury. 'To support their efforts, I will act as the president of the committee along with Congress leader, K. Krishnasamy, K.V. Thangkabalu, Thirunavukkarasar, former TNCC president, K.S. Alagiri, Sudarsana Nachiappan, Congress Legislative Party leader, Rajesh Kumar, will be deputy president of the committee. The awardees will be given a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh,' said Mr. Selvaperunthagai. There will be a total of seven awards given in the name of tallest Indian leaders - Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, K. Kamaraj, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. 'We have planned to invite Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for the awards ceremony,' he said. Protest against PM Furthermore, Mr. Selvaperunthagai said that TNCC cadre will protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by showing black flags in every district he visits in Tamil Nadu. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi is refusing to release the funds meant for the school education department. He is consistently acting in a way that goes against the welfare of the State. In protest, black flags will be shown in respective districts by district congress committees,' he said.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Teachers illuminate society with knowledge, values and ideas: Thaawarchand Gehlot
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday said teachers illuminate society with knowledge, values, and ideas, just as a lamp dispels darkness with its light. Speaking after presenting Adhyapak Bhushan and Lifetime Achievement awards to teachers during the celebration of Prerana Divas organised by the Karnataka Rajya Mahavidyalaya Shikshakara Sangha, Mangaluru unit, at Alva's Educational Institution in Moodbidri, Mr. Gehlot emphasised the role of educators, saying that teachers are not only pillars of society but also the foundation upon which knowledge, culture, and moral values are built. 'They shape the vision, direction, and purpose of students' lives,' he said. The Governor highlighted the significance of India's 'Guru-Shishya' tradition and said, 'From Acharya Chanakya to modern visionaries like Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, history has shown that teachers are not merely imparters of knowledge but creators of society. In an age marked by moral challenges, rapid technological change, and global competition, teachers are the cornerstone of innovation, wisdom, and ethics.' Mr. Gehlot also spoke about the changing landscape of education and said, 'The era of artificial intelligence and global competition has brought new challenges and opportunities. In such times, the role of a teacher becomes even more critical. The achievements of our education system are a testament to the dedication, sincerity, and innovation of our teachers. Their actions—whether arriving punctually, mentoring students or leading lives rooted in simplicity and honesty—speak louder than words.' He appreciated the contributions of the association and said it has played an exemplary role in safeguarding the dignity of the teaching profession, influencing educational policy and promoting quality education. Its consistent efforts to bridge the gap between education and action in academic institutions are commendable. Mr. Gehlot congratulated the awardees of Adhyapak Bhushan and Lifetime Achievement for their outstanding contribution to the field of education. Manipal Academy of Higher Education Pro-Chancellor H.S. Ballal and Meghalaya-based Saraswati Group of Institutions founder Ananthakrishna Bhat were conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award. MP for Dakshina Kannada Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MLA for Moodbidri Umanath A. Kotian, Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor P.L. Dharma, Sangha State president Gurunath Badiger, Alva's foundation chairman M. Mohan Alva, Prerana Divas Committee chairman M. Vivek Alva, and others were present.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
DDUWJ to present annual awards tomorrow
Senior journalist, writer and columnist Sanathkumar Belagali has been chosen for the Lifetime Achievement Award instituted by Dharwad District Union of Working Journalist (DDUWJ). According to a press release issued by DDUWJ, the award will be presented during the Media Day programme to be held in Hubballi on Sunday. Similarly, journalists Sunitha Kulkarni and Nirmala Kudari have been chosen for the annual Avva Award, the release said. The Lifetime Achievement award carries a purse of ₹11,000 and citation, while the Avva Award carries a purse of ₹5,000. Along with these, DDUWJ has also been honouring 14 journalists and photographers with annual awards. Mr. Belagali is a native of Savalagi village in Jamkhandi taluk of Bagalkot district, known for his progressive thinking. He was actively involved in the Bandaya Sahitya movement in the State. Having served the Kannada daily Samyukta Karnataka for 30 years, he also served in senior positions in Janavahini, Suryodaya and Varthabharati. He is a recipient of several awards, including Rajyotsava Award, TSR Award and Khadri Shamanna Award. The other winners of DDUWJ awards are Maridev Hugar, Azeez Ahmed Balaganur, Sushma Savasuddi, Kalavati Baichbal, Prakash Lamani, Vijayakumar Bellerimath, Pralhadgouda Gollagoudar, Subhashchandra N.S., Harsha Kulkarni, Govind Javali, Sairam Pawar, Anand Bhajantri, Shanu Yaligar and Neelamma Kotturshettar.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Social services veteran Anita Fam gets MSF's first Lifetime Achievement Award
Ms Anita Fam said one of her main goals is to help charities build their capabilities by enabling them to invest in talent and retain it. SINGAPORE – About three decades ago, former lawyer Anita Fam saw a physiotherapist help a girl walk for the first time. This was at Singapore's first school for children with multiple disabilities, where she witnessed the school's first – and only – physiotherapist at work. Later, she accepted a request from AWWA's late founder Leaena Tambyah to join its board as legal adviser. 'Just to see that look of sheer joy on the girl's face, that she could do this, is something I will never forget,' said the 62-year-old Ms Fam, who is currently the president of the National Council of Social Service. The move set her on a journey of social service, which has lasted well over 20 years and has seen her holding key roles in the National Healthcare Group Board, Singapore Hospice Council and St Andrew's Autism Centre, among others. She has contributed to improving mental health and palliative care in Singapore, along with efforts geared towards those living with disability. These contributions were recognised on July 25 when Ms Fam was given the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF) inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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MSF's awards recognise the impact of volunteers, social service agencies (SSAs) and corporate partners. Apart from the Lifetime Achievement Award, three other awards were introduced this year: the Outstanding Agency Award for exemplary SSAs, the Outstanding Partner Award for impactful partner organisations, and the Lifetime Service Award for volunteers who have served with MSF for 25 years. A total of 140 volunteers and partners were recognised on July 25. Their contributions range from foster parenting to supporting programmes for lower-income families and youths at risk. Social service agencies Samaritans of Singapore, Fei Yue Community Services and Rainbow Centre received the Outstanding Agency Award, while corporates DBS and SP Group got the Outstanding Partner Award. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said at the ceremony that the refreshed awards better recognise the impact that volunteers, SSAs and corporate partners have made. He noted that there has been a shift from ad-hoc volunteering to sustained and skill-based volunteerism, along with a shift towards sustainable philanthropy for corporates. He said MSF will roll out a foundational training programme for new volunteers in 2025. The programme was co-created with the Singapore University of Social Sciences, and comes in response to volunteers' feedback for more learning and development opportunities. Ms Fam told The Straits Times one of her main goals is to help charities build their capabilities by enabling them to invest in talent and retain it. This is done through various initiatives such as the sector salary guidelines and the Community Capability Trust that aims to resource the sector with $480 million over 10 years to strengthen SSAs' organisational capabilities. Fund raising is a challenge for charities. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli presenting the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Ms Anita Fam. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Ms Fam recalled that during the Covid-19 pandemic, she was worried about SSAs, as their services were disrupted. The first support measures the Government introduced was to prop up businesses, and she lost sleep over SSAs, which rely on public donations, being left to fund raise by themselves. 'How would they continue – the isolated seniors, the persons with disabilities, who are so reliant on therapy and other interventions? We really didn't know how long everything would last,' said Ms Fam, who was the chairwoman at Assisi Hospice at the time. In 2020, she started a fund for these charities by forking out $1 million of her own. She then called NCSS Community Chest chairman Phillip Tan, who helped top up the fund to $5 million. And later, the Government and community also chipped in, and the fund snowballed to more than $28 million. The Invictus Fund was able to support 90 social service agencies through the pandemic. Ms Fam said she has seen the sector evolve from being poorly funded and volunteer-run, with SSAs formerly known as 'voluntary welfare organisations', to becoming better-resourced and more cognisant of the need for corporate services. She recalled how the special education sector started out without trained principals or a proper curriculum, but became professionalised over the years. Ms Fam acknowledged that every time the salary benchmarks are raised, it increases the pressure on SSAs to fund raise. 'But at the same time, the ones who are stronger in what they do are the ones who have probably invested way more selectively into the quality of manpower that they have, and it's reflective of the services,' she said. Ms Fam hopes to change minds of donors and SSAs from wanting to ensure money goes straight to beneficiaries, to investing in SSAs to do far more with the money invested in them. She also hopes SSAs can work together with each other, as well as with social enterprises and for-profit companies, to serve vulnerable groups. Ms Fam said that better collaboration among SSAs would ensure clients do not have to give the same information to several different agencies serving them. Of her decades-long journey, she said: 'I've never engineered any of the commitments and responsibilities that I have taken on. I've always responded to a need or request. 'If I can make a difference in some small way, then I will do so.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Host of NRL stars mourn the 'King of Island Reggae' who is credited for unifying the Pacific
A number of NRL stars have paid tribute to esteemed singer George Veikoso, who has died at his home in Suva, Fiji. Veikoso, 55, is widely known as the 'King of Island Reggae', with his musical influence and stirring voice resulting in global admiration. The likes of Spencer Leniu, Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Viliame Kikau all posted separate Instagram stories once Veikoso's death was confirmed. Bulldogs second-rower Kikau labelled the performer the 'greatest of all time', which was echoed by Leniu, who is a Samoan international. Former NRL star Eloni Vunakece recalled once crossing paths with Veikoso in his native Fiji, and said the memorable experience will always be etched in his mind. 'They say you should never meet your heroes. But if you were lucky enough to meet George, you felt the love that emanates through his music [and] in one of his big warm hugs,' he said. Veikoso's death was announced by the Polynesian News Network, who said in a statement: 'He was a movement, a voice for the people, a light in the dark. His music wasn't just something we listened to.' Numerous fans took to social media to pay tribute to Veikoso, who was affectionately known as 'Fiji.' 'Man this one is tough. RIP George 'Fiji' Veikoso. Thank you for blessing the world with your voice and your music. One of the most talented Polynesian artists to ever do it. Your sound, your soul, your legacy will live on,' one posted. Another added: 'George 'Fiji' Veikoso has passed on. A true son of Fiji. Your melodies will always remain a timeless echo of your passion, your talent and the beauty you shared with the world. You will never be forgotten.' A third posted: 'Wow so young, thoughts and prayers to his family. 'Rest in peace to the king of Polynesian music.' Born in 1970, Veikoso grew up singing in church and moved to Hawaii in 1987. He released his first album, Evolution, in 1994 while his second, Born & Raised, topped the charts in 1996. The musician co-wrote the theme tune for Baywatch Hawaii - which starred Jason Mamoa - and was filmed between 1999 and 2001. In 2021, Veikoso received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream Veikoso also tried his hand at acting, appearing in the 2002 surfer film Blue Crush alongside Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez. In 2021, Veikoso received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream. Health issues affected Veikoso's life in recent years, and at times he performed from a wheelchair. Laisa Vulakoro, Chair of Fiji Performing Rights Association, stated: 'He's the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific. He took Fiji music to another level.'
