The Thiruvananthapuram Press Club bore witness to a moving evening of remembrance and recognition as the Global Kerala Initiative – Keraliyam instituted its first-ever award in memory of its Founder Secretary General, the late N.R. Harikumar.
Renowned psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and palliative care champion Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran was on Wednesday presented with the inaugural Keraliyam – N.R. Harikumar Award at a ceremony held at TNG Hall, Thiruvananthapuram Press Club. The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a commemorative plaque, was instituted by the Global Kerala Initiative – Keraliyam in memory of its Founder Secretary General, N.R. Harikumar, on the occasion of his first death anniversary.
Kerala Health and Devaswoms Minister K. Muraleedharan presented the award, underscoring the vital role of mental health in building a progressive society. Observing that a compassionate and professionally grounded doctor-patient relationship has measurable bearing even on palliative outcomes, the Minister noted that Kerala stands as a national model in palliative care – an achievement built through the sustained partnership of the public and private healthcare sectors. He pledged continued government support for palliative care and mental health initiatives across the state.
Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran is being recognised for her exceptional contributions across the intersecting domains of psychiatry, mental health advocacy, and community-based palliative care. Associated with the Mehac Foundation, she has dedicated her professional life to widening access to mental healthcare and normalising conversations around psychological well-being at the grassroots level.
In her acceptance address, Dr. Chitra spoke with quiet conviction about the societal imperative of mental health. She observed that a healthy and resilient mindset is foundational to any peaceful and progressive community, and that sustained awareness-building around mental health has the power to transform society in lasting ways.
Tribute to a Visionary
The ceremony was presided over by P.V. Abdul Wahab, Chairman of Keraliyam and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). V. Muraleedharan, MLA and former Minister of State in the Government of India, attended as chief guest and delivered the keynote address.
Keraliyam Vice Chairman Dr. Biju Ramesh paid a moving tribute to N.R. Harikumar, recalling his singular commitment to social and cultural causes and the energy with which he had worked to give Keraliyam a strong institutional foundation. The award, he said, was conceived as a living expression of Harikumar’s belief that individuals who work selflessly for society deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
The evening also included a special recognition for noted rescue worker Ranjith Israel, who was honoured with a commemorative plaque for his outstanding service to the community.
Keraliyam Working Chairman G. Rajamohan delivered the welcome address, while Treasurer G. Ajayakumar proposed the vote of thanks.
