'Ambedkar Award' for Communist leader

Chennai, Jan 16 (UNI) Veteran Communist leader and CPI Tamil Nadu unit Secretaray R Nallakannu was honoured with the 'Ambedkar Award' by the Tamil Nadu government in recognition of his 'outstanding contributions to the welfare of Dalits.' Chief Minister M Karunanidhi conferred the award on Mr Nallakannu at an official function held on the occasion of 'Tiruvallur Day,' the birth anniversary of Tamil saint-poet Tiruvalluvar, last night.

The award, comprised a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a gold medal.

The 'Thiruvalluvar Award' was presented to Tamil scholar and saint 'Kunrakudi' Ponnambala Adigalar.

While the 'Periyar Award' was presented to poet Kavithaipithan, 'Anna' award was given to orator Saratha Nambi Aaruran, 'Kamaraj' award was given to former MLA A R Marimuthu, 'Bharathi' award to poet Soundra Kailasam, 'Bharatidasan' award to Tiruchi M S Venkatachalam, 'Thiru Vi Ka' award to Tamil scholar T Periyandavan and 'K A P Viswanatham' award to poet Velavendan.

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