Students who excelled in academics, sports and innovation were among those honoured at the 38th award ceremony organised by the Sri Sivakumar Educational and Charitable Trust and Agaram Foundation.
Among the awardees were students who had scored high marks in the Class XII public exams, school and college students who excelled in both sports and academics, as well as students who have been recognised for their scientific innovations. The awards were given by actor Sivakumar and his sons actors Suriya and Karthi.
Prabha Kalvimani, who is a part of the advisory board of the Agaram Foundation, said that through the ‘Vidhai’ scheme, more than 1,400 students had been given assistance to pursue higher education.
“Students who study in the Tamil medium stream, as well as students from government schools and rural areas, are prioritised. The foundation takes into consideration their financial background, as well as any other problems they might be facing, and helps them,” he said. As a part of the awards ceremony, artist Sankar, who is known for his work with the magazine Ambulimama, was honoured.
Consistent contribution
“We decided last year that we would honour a prolific artist every year. Sankar’s work over the past 55 years for the magazine is something I have greatly admired,” said Mr. Sivakumar.
Speaking about the work of the charitable trust and the Agaram Foundation, Mr. Karthi said they were able to work for the cause of the underprivileged with a lot of help from their team of volunteers, as well as donors.
“Once the students are given assistance and scholarships, volunteers follow up with them in case they need guidance,” he said.