Doctor, transgender and scientist among awardees

Doctor, transgender and scientist among awardees

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

16.08.2021

Fight back discrimination and overcome hurdles. That was the message from Grace Banu to her community after receiving the state’s best transgender award from chief minister M K Stalin on the 75th Independence Day on Sunday.

“The transgender community is facing discrimination in everyday life. Though the government is extending welfare schemes, the lack of awareness and support is undoing it. Several transgenders are trying to come up in life, but several systemic hurdles deny them opportunities,” the 30-year-old engineering graduate from Tuticorin told TOI.

Grace was pivotal in the passing of the court order that allowed transgenders to appear in the TNPSC examination.

The CM presented Dr Kalpana Chawla Award for courage and daring enterprise to Dr P Shanmuga Priya, a medical officer in Annuppanadi primary health centre in Madurai, posthumously. “It would have been a joyous occasion if my wife had been alive,” said P Shanmugam, Shanmugha Priya’s husband, who received the award. The government had conferred the award “in appreciation of her brave, courageous and selfless service” during the pandemic.

Dr Shanmuga Priya, who was pregnant, tested positive for Covid-19 on May 1 and succumbed on May 8.

Veteran Communist leader and freedom fighter N Sakaraiah was honoured with Thagaisal Thamizhar Award for his contribution to society. The CM called on the veteran leader at his residence on Saturday and presented the award.

Prof M Lakshmanan of the department of Non-linear Dynamics, school of Physics, Bharathidasan University, Trichy, has been awarded Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Award for single-handedly forming an active research group of young scientists of international standard in non-linear dynamics.

The CM also presented the Covid warrior medal to 33 frontline workers from six departments for their service during the pandemic.