Social activist Sunitha Krishnan selected for Veerendra Kumar Memorial Award

Kozhikode: Social activist and Padma Shri awardee Sunitha Krishnan has been chosen for the MP Veerendra Kumar Memorial National Thought Leadership Award instituted by Mathrubhumi in memory of the late thinker, political leader, writer, and former Managing Director of Mathrubhumi, MP Veerendra Kumar.

The award recognises her selfless service for women and children who have no support system. The jury, comprising Justice KT Thomas, novelist Sarah Joseph, and senior journalist Sashi Kumar, selected her for the honour.

The award carries a plaque, citation, and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. It will be presented in Kozhikode on May 28, marking MP Veerendra Kumar’s remembrance day.

Sunitha Krishnan is the founder of Prajwala, an organisation that works to rehabilitate victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Under her leadership, the organisation has helped bring thousands of women and children back into mainstream life by providing education, legal aid, and vocational training.

Born in Bengaluru to parents from Palakkad, Sunitha Krishnan survived sexual assault during her teenage years. Overcoming the trauma, she pursued her education and dedicated her life to supporting others facing similar hardships.

Mathrubhumi Chairman and Managing Editor PV Chandran and Managing Director MV Shreyams Kumar informed that Rajya Sabha MP and writer Jairam Ramesh, along with Justice K Chandru, will attend the award ceremony.

The inaugural award was presented to environmental activist Pandurang Hegde, founder of the Appiko Movement.