Chennai: Former Health Minister H V Hande, a resident of Shenoy Nagar was conferred the ‘For the Sake of Honour Award’ by Rotary Club of Anna Nagar Madras on Monday.
The award is given to individuals who have rendered exemplary service to society. In his acceptance speech Dr Hande recollected his days in active politics and also appealed to Rotary members to educate the masses on the importance of casting vote and the need to abstain from taking money for votes.
He said, “I haven’t spent money to get votes and won elections 6 times. Kamarajar himself wondered about it. Even as a student in 1942, I was actively involved in the freedom movement and had faced lathi charge of the then British Police.”
Praising Rotary, Dr Hande said, “Rotary has played a vital role across the world and in particular to India in eradicating polio. I dedicate the award to all Rotarians present here to their continuous efforts in addressing community services, conducting health camps and helping the society in various projects.”
Former Tamilnadu Health Secretary, Dr J Radhakrishnan appreciated Dr Hande for his efforts in reaching out to people for creating awareness about leprosy when there was no social media and technology like today and also lauded him for various efforts taken in treating patients.
Rotary Club of Anna Nagar Madras president, Vrinda Deepak and club secretary and Vocational Service director Chitra Mukunnan were present. Former governor of Rotary (3232), Krishnan V Chari was the chief guest.