Oommen Chandy Karunya Award Presented to Different Art Centre

Thiruvananthapuram: The second 'Oommen Chandy Karunya Award', instituted by the Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee, was received by Different Art Centre Executive Director Gopinath Muthukad from acclaimed filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The award was presented in recognition of the centre’s efforts over the past years in nurturing the natural abilities of children through specialized training.

The Different Art Centre began its operations in 2019 under the leadership of Gopinath Muthukad, who has been actively involved in Kerala’s cultural sphere and played a key role in popularizing magic as an art form. The centre has successfully fostered the creative talents of numerous differently-abled children in society.

The award ceremony was held at Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium as part of the events commemorating the second death anniversary of Oommen Chandy. The memorial meeting held in conjunction was inaugurated by Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Chennithala said that late Shri Oommen Chandy was a leader who gave utmost importance to the problems of the people. He sincerely intervened in public issues and made dedicated efforts to resolve them. It is gratifying that a humanitarian award in his name has reached deserving hands. He added that everyone should support the services rendered by Gopinath Muthukad to children facing mental challenges.

The event was presided over by DCC President Palode Ravi, and was attended by M.M. Hassan, K. Muraleedharan, Gigi Thomson, C. Divakaran, C.P. John, Sunnikutti Abraham, V.S. Sivakumar, N. Sakthan, among others.