Pallium India's M R Rajagopal wins first TNG Award

Dr M R Rajagopal, chairman and founder of Pallium India, an organisation providing free palliative care to the needy, was selected for the first TNG Award, instituted by Asianet News in memory of eminent journalist TN Gopakumar. 

Rajagopal, an inspiring presence in spreading the message of palliative care in the country, dedicated his life to provide care and relief to the needy patients 23 years back. Many international agencies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and journals, have praised the activities of Pallium India. It also inspired numerous palliative care initiatives in and outside the country, the award committee observed. 

The panel, comprising Dr MV Pillai, Dr B Iqbal, Jacob Punnoose and Dr PM Varrier, selected Rajagopal from 1217 nominations that included individuals and organisations. The TNG Award, instituted by Asianet News in memory of its former Editor-in-Chief Gopakumar, carries a purse of Rs.2 lakh and a citation.

The award will be presented at a function to be held at Tagore Hall in Thiruvananthapuram on 30 January. Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Markandey Katju will give away the award. N Ram, Editorial Board Chairman of The Hindu, will deliver the keynote address. Eminent writer Paul Zacharia will release a book on TN Gopakumar. The first screening of the documentary produced by Asianet News on Gopakumar will also be held as part of the award ceremony. 

• Pallium India
• TNG Award
• TN Gopakumar
• Asianet News
• Dr MR Rajagopal