Lok Bhavan announces winners of Governor’s awards for social service, environmental protection

The Lok Bhavan on Tuesday announced the winners of the Governor’s Awards 2025 under the ‘Social Service’ and ‘Environmental Protection’ categories.

While Venkatraman Memorial Trust (Chengalpattu District) has been named under the institution category, R. Siva (Chennai district) and P. Vijayakumar (Tiruchi district) have been named under the individual category for the award for social service.

As for environment protection, Green Rameshwaram Trust (Ramanathapuram district) has been named under the institution category, R. Manikandan (Coimbatore district) has been named under the individual category, an official release from the Lok Bhavan said.

Venkatraman Memorial Trust has made significant contributions towards uplifting government schools in Kovalam village and enhancing the overall quality of education. In recognition of these efforts, the award will be conferred, along with a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, and a citation, it said.

Mr. Siva has devoted himself to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of persons affected by leprosy, helping them achieve inclusion and a better quality of life. For his contributions, he will receive the award, along with a cash prize of ₹2 lakh, and a citation, it said.

Mr. Vijayakumar conducted the final rites for abandoned and unclaimed corpses, ensuring they are accorded dignified last rites, the release said. In addition, he has established a free library and provides daily Annadhanam to the underprivileged, reflecting his unwavering commitment to marginalized communities. In recognition of his service, he will be conferred the award, along with a cash prize of ₹2 lakh, and a citation.

Green Rameswaram Trust has made outstanding contributions to the rejuvenation of water bodies and the conservation of flora and fauna in the Rameswaram area, including its coastal zone. The Trust also promotes waste management, renewable energy, and environmental awareness among school children, fostering ecological sustainability. In recognition of these efforts, the Trust will be conferred the award, along with a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, and a citation.

Mr. Manikandan, the founder of ‘Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu’, has played a pivotal role in rejuvenating water bodies across Coimbatore and restoring biodiversity, contributing significantly to environmental conservation through community engagement. For his service, he will receive the award, together with a cash prize of ₹2 lakh, and a citation, it said.

The awardees will receive their awards from the Governor during the ‘At Home’ reception on Republic Day at Lok Bhavan, Chennai on January 26.