Chennai: The second edition of MOP Vaishnav College’s annual awards ceremony, Yuva Sammaan, honouring women achievers within the age of 35, will be held 23 February on the college premises at 6 pm.
The MOP Yuva Sammaan is being conferred every year on women achievers in three categories: sports, performing arts and entrepreneurship, with the nominees chosen through a rigorous process.
Speaking to News Today on why the management decided to confer the awards on young women achievers from last year, the principal of the college, Lalitha Balakrishnan, said, “Last year, MOP completed its 25th year. So, during the silver jubilee year, we wanted to do something which will be remembered. As an institution, MOP has always given importance to sports and encouraged cultural activity. So, apart from academics, we wanted to honour women making a mark in different fields, especially young women achievers under the age of 35, because recognition must come to them when they are bubbling with enthusiasm.”
About the selection process, she said, “We gave advertisements in all leading newspapers asking women who feel they deserve the award, to apply. This year, we had more than 35 applicants and from that, we have shortlisted 18.”
The jury consist of senior education consultant, UNESCO, S Venkatraman, Vice-Chancellor of SASTRA, Vaidya Subramaniam, chairperson, Rajalakshmi Group of Institutions, Thangam Meghanathan, and founder of Global Adjustments, Ranjani Manian.
“Apart from them, Srikumar Fomra and I from our management were also part of the jury,” said the principal.
This year, singers Sindhavi and Mahathi, squash player Dipika Pallikal, cricketer Thirushkamini, tennis player Sai Samhitha, entrepreneurs Varthika Neethi Mohan, Prasitha Sridhar and Mathanghi Kumar were some of the names nominated for the awards.
The awards will be presented by founders of Naturals salons, Veena Kumaravel and Kumaravel, sailor Rohini Rau and classical dancer Priyadarshini Govind. The winners will receive a citation and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
“Apart from Chennai, this year we had applicants from Madurai and even Kerala. We hope in the coming editions there will be more applications from other states as well,” the principal said.