Chennai, Jan 25 (NationPress) The rich heritage of public service, intellectual prowess, and cultural guardianship from Tamil Nadu received national acclaim this year, as numerous distinguished figures from the state were prominently featured in the Padma awards roster.

The awards, covering sectors such as medicine, social work, science, arts, literature, and public administration, highlight decades of dedication to nation-building and community improvement.

At the forefront is Kalipatti Ramasamy Palanisamy, a renowned medical expert, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his groundbreaking contributions to healthcare.

Recognized for his commitment to service, Palanisamy’s initiatives have significantly transformed community health, especially in the rural and underprivileged areas of Tamil Nadu.

Another recipient of the Padma Bhushan is S.K.M. Maeilanandhan, a prominent social worker whose relentless efforts in education, social welfare, and community development have positively impacted thousands throughout the state.

The Padma Shri awards showcased a robust representation from the fields of arts, medicine, and science. In the realm of arts, Gayatri Balasubramanian and Ranjani Balasubramanian were honored for their creative contributions that have played a crucial role in preserving and reinterpreting traditional Indian art forms.

In the medical field, multiple awardees were recognized, including H.V. Hande, celebrated for his longstanding contributions to healthcare, and Punniamurthy Natesan, acknowledged for his dedicated research in both medical and veterinary sciences.

In science and engineering, K. Ramasamy and Veezhinathan Kamakoti, the current Director of IIT Madras, were awarded the Padma Shri for their advancements in scientific knowledge and technical education.

Public service was represented by K. Vijayakumar, a senior IPS officer recognized for his community-focused policing and involvement in significant investigations, including operations against the notorious forest brigand Veerappan. Traditional and performing arts also received due acknowledgment, with Padma Shri awards conferred to Othuvaar Thiruthani Swaminathan, Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar, and Thiruvarur Bhakthavathsalam for their efforts in preserving and popularizing classical and folk traditions.

In the realm of literature and education, veteran author Sivasankari was honored for her significant contributions to Tamil literary discussions, while K. Pajanivel received the Padma Shri for his work in Chilambam martial arts and social service in Puducherry. Posthumously, R. Krishnan was recognized for his lasting artistic influence.

The collective achievements of Tamil Nadu's Padma awardees reflect excellence across various fields and reaffirm the state’s deep and ongoing contribution to India’s cultural, intellectual, and public spheres.