In a significant ceremony that celebrated diverse contributions to society, the Tamil Nadu government presented several prestigious awards for 2026, honoring individuals for their efforts in fostering communal harmony, demonstrating exceptional bravery, and achieving remarkable agricultural productivity. The event highlighted stories of selflessness and dedication across different spheres of life.
Garment Factory Owner Receives Communal Harmony Award
M Kalimulla, a garment factory owner based in Tiruppur, was selected for the Tamil Nadu government's Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award for 2026. This recognition came in response to his generous act of donating land for the construction of a Ganesha temple, a gesture that beautifully stitched together faith and fraternity.
The award, instituted in memory of social activist Kottai Ameer, aims to acknowledge individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting communal harmony. It includes a gold-coated medal, a cash prize of 5 lakh rupees, and a formal citation.
Kalimulla, a resident of Poonal Kadu in Tiruppur city, donated approximately 3 cents of land in Ganapathipalayam village, located in Kangayam taluk, for the temple. Additionally, he contributed 3 lakh rupees towards its construction. The government cited this act as symbolic of his deep commitment to inter-faith harmony.
In an interview, Kalimulla shared, "The locals initially did not even know that I donated the land. Only when the message spread did people start appreciating it. I believe promoting religious harmony is the need of the hour. I urge everyone to practise social and religious harmony." His words underscore the importance of such initiatives in today's diverse society.
Posthumous Bravery Award for Selfless Sacrifice
The award ceremony also featured a poignant moment as Jessi Johnson accepted the state's bravery honor on behalf of her late husband, Peter Johnson. The event was filled with tears, pride, and a sense of helplessness, reflecting the profound impact of his sacrifice.
On June 1 last year, Peter Johnson lost his life in a selfless act of courage at a check dam across the Thamirabharani River in Kuzhithurai. While bathing, he noticed two young individuals, Mano, aged 17, and Akhilesh, aged 12, struggling against the strong river currents. Without hesitation, Johnson dived in and successfully guided both to safety. Tragically, the powerful force of the river claimed his life before he could reach the bank.
At the ceremony, Jessi struggled to control her emotions as she received the award from Chief Minister M K Stalin. She expressed, "He knew the currents were strong, yet he swam to save them. We have two sons, and they are jobless. The government must help them get a job." Her statement highlights the ongoing challenges faced by families of heroes.
Firefighters Honored for Daring Rescue Operation
Three firefighters from the Coonoor fire station were recognized with the Chief Minister's Anna Medal for Gallantry for 2026, following a daring rescue operation. The incident occurred on May 25 last year when a sudden surge of muddy water transformed a quiet mountain stream in the Nilgiris into a raging torrent.
A car, caught in a flash flood near Perisolai on the Dharmagiri route, was swept into a flooded stretch of a Pandiyar river tributary. The occupants were left stranded, clinging to the roof as the current threatened to pull the vehicle away.
Firefighters V Sankar, the driver mechanic, along with firemen S Ramesh Kumar and P Suresh, arrived at the scene and made a split-second decision that saved lives. With ropes tied around their waists, they jumped into the swirling waters, swam to the half-submerged car, secured it, and began pulling out the trapped occupants one by one, bringing them to safety.
This courageous rescue, carried out amid strong currents and rising water levels, was widely praised by the public and media, and commended by the Nilgiris district collector. The Tamil Nadu government award included a cash prize of 1 lakh rupees, a medal worth 9,000 rupees, and a certificate, presented by the chief minister.
Farmer Achieves Record Paddy Yield
In a separate recognition, Thanjavur farmer G Veeramani of Deetcha Samudram village in Budalur block was awarded the C Narayanasamy Naidu Paddy Productivity Award for 2024-25. This honor was bestowed for achieving the highest paddy yield in Tamil Nadu.
Veeramani mastered the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) through training from the department of agriculture. He applied modern techniques, including certified BPT 5204 seeds, biofertilisers, green manure, precise seedling spacing, alternate wetting and drying irrigation, and rigorous crop protection. His diligent efforts resulted in a record yield of 14,925 kilograms per hectare.
The harvest, conducted on March 9 last year, was observed by officials from the State and District Agriculture Departments. Veeramani was felicitated by Chief Minister M K Stalin and received a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a gold-plated silver medal, and a certificate.
The award, named after noted farmers' leader C Narayanasamy Naidu, aims to encourage farmers to adopt modern techniques to increase paddy productivity, thereby supporting agricultural advancement in the region.
These awards collectively showcase the Tamil Nadu government's commitment to recognizing and encouraging positive contributions across various fields, from social harmony and bravery to agricultural innovation.
