The Hamsadhwani R. Ramachandran Award of Excellence was on Thursday (January 1, 2025) presented to V-Excel Educational Trust founder Vasudha Prakash on the occasion of the R. Ramachandran (RRC) Birthday Remembrance.Industrialist Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti, who presided over the event, said it was a very difficult task that Ms. Prakash had undertaken 25 years ago: to provide services to persons with cognitive disabilities. He appreciated the role of former DGP K. Vijayakumar, the guest of honour at the event, in putting an end to forest brigand Veerappan's reign over the forests.Mr. Vijayakumar said that the services rendered by Ms. Prakash and her team to those with intellectual disabilities was immeasurable, and added they should continue with their good work.Speaking after receiving the award, Ms. Prakash thanked the parents of those with intellectual disabilities for being so committed to their children even after they reached adulthood.Hamsadhwani secretary R. Sundar said the award was presented to V-Excel for its selfless work, performed with commitment and devotion. With multiple centres across India, the organisation has helped over 85,000 persons through their innovative approaches combining education, therapy, and vocational training. The award carried a citation, a shawl, and a cash component.Further, the R. Ramachandran Birth Centenary Award to talented NRI Artistes was presented to Tejas Murali of USA. The award ceremony was followed by Guru Anitha Guha's Bharathanjali's Mahadevan Mahasenam Bhaje.Published - January 02, 2026 02:52 pm IST