![Icons of Coimbatore 2017 Awarded by Rathinam Group of Institutions](https://media.collegedekho.com/media/img/news/icons_of_coimbatore.jpg?height=310&width=615)
Rathinam Group of Institutions , like every year, proudly honoured dignitaries who have made Coimbatore - popularly known as the Cotton City proud. 'ICONS of Coimbatore 2017', an event for the same was jointly organized by the institute in partnership with Radio City and Times of India on 9th March 2017 at the Rathinam auditorium.
After the lamp lighting ceremony and Tamilthaivalthu, Dr. Madan. A. Sendhil of Rathinam Group of Institutions, in his welcome address, gave a brief of the ICONS of Coimbatore - which is being conducted since 2013 now, while recollecting his memories. He attended the function along with his wife Mrs. Shima Sendhil, Secretary of Rathinam Group of Institutions.
The chief guest for the event was Dr. Pinky Anand, Additional Solicitor General of India, New Delhi and Mr. Krishnachander, Chief of Art of Living and Sr. Vice President of India Cements Ltd, was the guest of honor. They both collectively awarded the Icons of Coimbatore in view of their distinguished contribution towards the growth of Coimbatore city.
The Icons of Coimbatore 2017 awardees included:
- Mr. B. Soundararajan – Chairman, M/s. Suguna Holdings Pvt., Ltd., started his business with Rs. 5000 and now it has grown up to Rs. 6000 crore and stands ninth in the list of the largest poultry companies in the entire world, moreover strengthening rural empowerment.
- Mr. Xavier Selvakumar, Dinamalar Reporter; has been selected as an Icon for revealing the burial of River Kousika which in turn became an eye opener for many other water bodies in the city.
- Dr. V.G. Mohan Prasad is a famous gastroenterologist, not only in the city but across the world. He has saved about 1000 children from plaque and has made many achievements in the field of medicine.
- Mr. S. Kanthavelan – Founder, Aathma Arakatalai, was chosen as an Icon for his extraordinary service to humanity that involved paying for the last rites of unclaimed bodies of children as well elders.
- Mr. S.A.C. Vasanth is an Indian magician, illusionist and laser show artist who performs shows in India, and other countries. He was titled as “Master Magician” by Star One television in 2010. He was chosen as an Icon of Coimbatore for entertaining the mass crowd with his extraordinary talent.
- Mr. K. Murali – Director, Deaf Leaders Foundation, born deaf and dumb still shows concern towards the disabled irrespective of age and he is continuing and supporting them for their upliftment.
- Mr. Vivekanandar – Athlete was chosen as an Icon for his efforts as an athlete in the age of less than 19 years, thereby grabbing an opportunity to participate in the South Asian Games held in China.
These are just some of the awardees among those who were felicitated.
Following the awarding ceremony, Dr. Pinky Anand addressed the gathering and appreciated the work of the awardees. She remembered and compared it to the contribution of world renowned scientist Einstein. Moreover, she encouraged every citizen to contribute towards the growth of the country. The Guest of Honour, Mr. R Krishnachander became emotional while watching the contribution made by all awardees. Dr. V Sekar, Director, Rathinam Institute of Management delivered the vote of thanks.