Expressnews
Chennai, April 08, 2022: Rotary Club of Madras East and Congruent Solutions have joined hands to felicitate individuals who have contributed to society. These unsung heroes were honored for their achievements at an award ceremony held on April 08, 2022, at Hotel Raintree, Chennai. These heroes were chosen to acknowledge their contribution to society, to making a difference in people’s lives through their service and motivate them to continue on their path.
List of the awardees for 2022:● Shammi Bhatia – Paracycling and ParabadmintonNational Player● S. Gokila – Football Coach, SDAT , Namakkal● B R Arumugam – Founder, Viduthalai Social Welfare Trust
The ‘Unsung Heroes’ project was initiated by the Rotary Club of Madras East in 2016 and was conceptualized by its Ex-President, Rtn K Ananth. The idea behind this initiative was to recognise and identify those who have immensely contributed towards shaping the community. There was a need to support and encourage these self-made individuals who have faced life’s toughest challenges and have put service above self. Their inspiring life stories are a source of motivation for society.
Speaking on this initiative, Rtn M Srinivasa Rao – President of RCME, said,“We, at RCME, wanted to identify those heroes amongst the common man who are equally deserving of the accolade but whose contribution to our community remains unknown. These heroes keep stretching beyond their comfort zone, face challenges with a smile, have put service above self, and their inspiring life story is a source of motivation to our community. “
Commenting on this partnership with RCME, BalaramanJayaraman, President and CEO, Congruent Solutions, said, “Congruent Solutions has been partnering with the Rotary Club of Madras East over the last few years in recognising ‘Unsung Heroes’ in the community around us – people who, by their sheer determination and will power, have moved mountains far beyond what their profile is expected to, as per conventional norms. These ‘Heroes’ also stand as a testimony to the power of the human spirit and serve as examples to the rest of the society that one should not get bogged down by one’s circumstances and stop dreaming. These individuals have not had any significant visibility in the community but deserve that recognition if only to inspire the rest of us.“
Unsung heroes honored previously inlcudeAuto Annadurai, Hari Harigaran of Night School of Change Thiruvotiyur, charismatic Traffic Cop M Kumar, Soul Free Champion Ms. Preethi, National Paralympic Swimming Champion & Wheelchair Basketball Sport promoter Ms. Madhavi and the Founder of Bharatha Matha Orphanage Dr. Uthayamalar.
Short Bio of the 2022 awardees [Detailed profiles attached]
Shammi Bhatia – Para–Cycling and ParabadmintonNational Player
He represented India at the international sports para-badminton tournament in Uganda and in the para-cycling road race. He cycled his way to Bombay in just five days. After taking the required training, he now aims to conquer Mount Everest and would become the 8th specially-abled person to conquer this.
S. Gokila – Football Coach, SDAT , Namakkal
She is passionate about football coaching and has skilled hundreds of youngsters, taken more than 50 school children to the national level representation, and raised 5 children to attain international fame. Through her service and the sport,she endeavors to have representation for women at the State and National level and firmly believes that this will enable empowerment for these girls and women in the coming days.
B R Arumugam – Founder, Viduthalai Social Welfare Trust
He is dedicated to improving the villagers’ standard of livingand providing free education to children. Over the years, 15 tuition centers were set up in 15 villages. 850 children were given education in private and government schools. 114 houses were built for the homeless people with proper documentation. Self-employment campaigns were organized for 300 families and they have benefited from it. Major and minor surgeries have been conducted over 10 years for 1500 poor people around the Thiruvallur district.
