Dr. K.C.G. Vergese Excellence Awards 2023 (4th Edition)

The illustrious Hindustan Group of Institutions, a forerunner in the field of education, orchestrated the 4th edition of the Dr. K. C. G. Verghese Excellence Awards 2023 on 24 June 2023 at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. The Excellence Awards, instituted in the loving memory of our Founder-Chairman - Late Dr. K.C.G. Verghese, honors and celebrates the achievements of eminent personalities across the Globe. In this 4th edition, 32 reputed personalities were honored for their accomplishments and excellence in Academic, Research, Corporate, Community Development, Youth Icon, Sports and Outstanding Alumni.

The event was presided by Chairman HGI, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese in presence of other dignitaries, Dr. Elizabeth Verghese (Founder Chairperson), Mr. Ashok Verghese (Vice President, HGI), Dr. Susan Verghese (Vice President, HGI), Dr. Annie Jacob (Director, KCG College of Technology) and Dr. Aby Sam (Executive Director, HGI).

Mr. N. Ram, a prominent Indian Journalist and Director of the Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion after releasing the award brochure, Mr. N. Ram applauded the efforts of the Hindustan Group in equipping students for the ever-changing world and its efforts in encouraging accomplished personalities across sectors. “India, though provides meaningful access to all sections of society in terms of education, judiciary, and free speech has to do more to achieve excellence of high standards”, said Mr. N. Ram. Congratulating the awardees and he urged them to raise the bar by responding to the challenges and providing solutions.

Mr. T. S. Tirumurti, IFS (Retired)- Former Indian Ambassador United Nations in his felicitation address said “The world is facing sustainability challenges to which no country is immune and battling them with traditional tools will become redundant. New India – Educated & Knowledge India should develop new tools, new solutions with scientific temper knowledge, global collaboration and empathy”

Ms. Michaela Küchler, Consul General- Federal Republic of Germany, the guest of honor, highlighted the Indo-German long history of cooperation in education, technological partnership and student research exchange. She placed on record the contribution of Hindustan Group in the bilateral exchange.”

The K.C.G. Verghese Excellence Awards were initiated in the year 2009. The 4th edition of the award was conferred on 32 renowned personalities this year to recognize and honor their outstanding contributions that have made a difference to the society. The awards were bestowed in recognition of the achievements and exceptional accomplishments of the dignitaries in their respective fields, across 8 categories.

The Life Time Achievement Awards were presented by the Chief guest Mr. N. Ram, director of the Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited and Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chairman Hindustan Group of Institutions, Chennai to Mr. K. Doraisami, Senior Advocate ; Mr. P. S. Surana, Surana & Surana, International Attorney; Dr. A. E. Muthunayagam, Former Secretary to Govt for Ocean Development, Former Chairman of Board of Governors IIT Madras; Dr. S. P. Thiyagarajan, Chancellor- Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore; Dr. V. Jina Das, General Physician, Fortis Hospitals; Mr. R. Venkatesh, Partner Alladi Krishnan & Kumar and Dr. Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti, Chairman - Nalli Silk Sarees- Textile industrialist and philanthropist for making valuable contributions of outstanding social and economic significance in their lifetime.

Academic Excellence Awards were presented to Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IITR), Punjab; Dr. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Former Director, IITM; Dr. Shu Chuan Liao, Professor, Asia University, Taiwan and Prof. P. B. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Amity University for their exceptional contributions towards encouraging developments in the educational field.

Research Excellence Awards were presented to Dr. G. Balu, OS & Scientist ‘H’ (Retired), DRDO Distinguished Fellow & Chairman, Aerodynamics Panel of AR & DB; Dr. G. A. Ramadass, Director, NIOT for carrying out high-quality innovative research with substantial results to drive research excellence.

Corporate Excellence Awards were presented to Mr. Ajit Isaac, Chairman, Quess Corp; Mr. Josh Foulger, Managing Director, Bharat FIH Ltd; Mr. S. R. Sabapathi, President and CEO, Qmax Test Equipments; Dr Alok Khullar, Chief Executive Officer, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai; Mr. K. Chandra Reddy, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Capgemini Engineering, India and Ms. Maya Sreekumar, Vice President Human Resources, GenC Program, Cognizant for their crucial role in fostering economic and business growth within the corporate world.

Community Development Excellence Awards were presented to Mr. A. S. Venkatesh, International Director- Asia Area Rotary International; Dr. Georgi Abraham, Founder - TANKER Foundation; Dr. Sunil Shroff, Senior Consultant Urologist, Transplant Surgeon and Social Entrepreneur, Mohan Foundation and Ms. Sara Cherian, Trustee, The Cherian Foundation for their humanitarian efforts.

Youth Icon Awards were presented to Ms. Uthara Unnikrishnan, Indian playback singer; Ms. Prasiddhi Singh, Social Entrepreneur and Environmental Activist and Dr. K. Prisha, Youngest Yoga Guru to raise the profile of the youth of our nation and highlight their accomplishments in different fields.

Sports Excellence Awards were presented to Ms Anitha Paul Dorai, Former Captain of the National Women’s Basketball Team for being an exceptional sportsperson who has brought glory and accolades to the nation.

Outstanding Alumni Awards were presented to Mr. Vikram D Murugaraj, Director- Accounts, Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) at Controller & Auditor General of India; Mr. Sharva Rasanayakam, Ex- Senior Executive, General Motors; Mr. Ashok Gopinath, CEO, GMR Hyderabad; Ms. Suganya Seenuvasan, Forester, Tamil Nadu Forest Department and Mr. Rajasekar Pachai, Tamil Nadu’s second Mt. Everest Climber to honor accomplished and influential alumni from our institutions.