Annual Kishore Kumar Memorial Awards were presented to luminaries from different walks of life today at a glittering function held at India Islamic Cultural Center, New Delhi. KJ Alphons, Former Union Minister, Padmashri Prof Mahesh Verma, and Vice Chancellor of GGSIP University among others presented the Honours. Padmashri Prof Mahesh Sharma was awarded for his contribution to Education while as Dr Darakhshan Andrabi was awarded for her social & political contribution, Sanjeev Upadhyay of Doordarshan was awarded for his journalistic contribution; Padmashri Professor Dr Ashok Rajgopal was also felicitated for his role in medical research. Other awardees included Tejaswi Mohan (Classical singer), Inderpal (Film Actor). After giving away award for extraordinary social contribution to Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, former Union Minister K J Alphons said that her national presence in the field of minority welfare initiatives since past more than six years now is so impactful that this award is presented to her in recognition of her inspiring contribution. He said that in contemporary Jammu & Kashmir and beyond in the rest of India, her role in communal harmony & peace is worth celebration. While reading out the citation for her award, the President of the organization, Parveen Sharma said that a multifaceted personality Dr Andrabi being a celebrated communicator, social activist, politician, writer, poet and a passionate humane and this award was just a public acceptance on behalf of the people of India of her abilities and impactful contribution in these spheres of life. The jury headed by Shripad Yesso Nayak, Honourable Union Minister of State for Tourism & Shri Santosh Gangwar Chairperson of Committee on Public Undertakings, Lok Sabha shortlisted the names for the Awards. A book on Madhubala written by famous writer Kamal Dhiman was also released. A musical tribute to singer Kishore Kumar by nationally acclaimed artists was the attraction of the event. The event was organized by Kishore Kumar Memorial National Club.
