Distinguished Leaders and Achievers Honoured at 141st Rajendra Prasad Jayanti in Chennai
Chennai, December, 2025: The Deshratna Dr. Rajendra Prasad Memorial Trust, in association with the Ektavasutra India Foundation and the Arya Samaj Foundation, hosted a dignified celebration of the 141st Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, on 7th December at the Dwarka Auditorium, DG Vaishnav College, Chennai. The event saw the participation of distinguished guests, academicians, corporate leaders, cultural ambassadors, students, and members of civil society. The evening began with a prayer song and the lighting of the kuthuvilakku, followed by a welcome address from the Managing Trustee, setting a tone of national pride and cultural reverence for the celebration. The function was graced by the chief guests Shri Shakeel Akhtar, IPS (Retd.), Chief Information Commissioner of the Government of Tamil Nadu, and Dr. H. V. Hande, former Health Minister of Tamil Nadu, who delivered keynote address. Special invitees included Shri N. Kumar, Chairman, Group Corporate Board, The Sanmar Group, and Shri S. Raman, Olympian and Arjuna and Dronacharya Award recipient.
As part of the celebrations, two prestigious recognitions were conferred upon eminent personalities for their contributions to society. Shri N. Kumar received the Shobha Kant Das Lokseva Ratna Award, instituted in memory of Late Shri Shobha Kant Das, founder of the Deshratna Dr. Rajendra Prasad Memorial Trust, who was known for his intellectual, literary and cultural vision and his lifelong commitment to education, social empowerment, and national unity. Shri S. Raman was honoured with the Pradeep Kumar Prerna Puraskar, established in memory of Late Shri Pradeep Kumar, former Managing Trustee of the Trust, who dedicated his life to harmony, compassion, humanitarian values, and fostering youth leadership.
The Trust reaffirmed its commitment to community service through its ongoing initiatives, which include providing support to underprivileged individuals and families, offering medical assistance to economically challenged patients, extending educational support to deserving students, and providing affordable accommodation with food for patients and attendants who travel from various parts of India to Chennai for medical treatment. The Trust emphasised that its guiding principle of serving without discrimination remains deeply rooted in the ideals of Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ashish Kumar, Trustee, Ayurvedacharya highlighted that the aim of the Trust is not only to commemorate Dr. Rajendra Prasad through ceremonies but also to inspire individuals to embody his values of humility, service, and righteousness in daily life, while fostering a deeper understanding of India’s democratic and cultural ethos among younger generations.
Inter-school speech, singing, and dance competitions were conducted ahead of the main event, with more than 100 students participating. At the conclusion of the main event, prizes were presented to all first-place winners, along with awards for students who achieved second and third places across all the competitions.
The event also featured several special highlights, including a heartfelt video message from Shri Abhijit Prasad, great-grandson of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, which added emotional resonance to the celebration.
