Four eminent personalities presented SIES award

Mumbai, Dec 23 (UNI) Four eminent personalities--Nuclear scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar, first woman IPS officer Dr Kiran Bedi, former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Satguru Sivananda Murthy -- have been awarded the 10th South Indian Education Society's (SIES) Sri Chandrasekharedra Saraswati National Eminence Award 2007.

Speaking at the award function here yesterday, firebrand police officer Ms Bedi said she would use the cash prize for India Vision Foundation, an organisation with which she is associated.

Department of Atomic Energy Secretary and Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Anil Kakodkar was honoured for his contribution in the field of science and technology, while Mr Shekhawat was honoured for his contributions to public leadership.

Mr Murthy received the award for his contribution in the field of spirituality.

Each of the awardees received a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh, a citation and a silver lamp.

While accepting the award, Dr Kakodkar emphasised on the need for spirituality in society.

Mr Shekhawat said there is an urgent need to combat the growing gap between the rich and the poor. He pressed on the need for cleaning up of the political system of the country so that people's faith could be restored in it.

UNI