Najma Heptullah given Veerangana Samman

Gwalior, June 19 (UNI) Former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptullah has been honoured with the ''Veerangana Samman-2007'' for outstanding contribution in her long public life.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani presented the award, instituted by the Madhya Pradesh government's Culture department, here yesterday at a function to mark the martyrdom anniversary of legendary freedom fighter Rani Laxmibai.

Mr Advani also presented the national award instituted in memory of Martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad to Chhattisgarh's Jashpur-based Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Kendra for its outstanding work for education, health, economy and social upliftment of the tribals.

A high-level jury has unanimously selected the Ashram for the award, comprising Rs 1.50 lakh in cash and a citation.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, his cabinet colleagues and state BJP President Narendra Singh Tomar were among those present, an official release said.

UNI