VIT Founder-Chancellor G. Viswanathan honored Girija Madhu and Ramya Devanathan with prestigious 'Weekend Leader' awards for their exceptional contributions to social service and entrepreneurship.

  • Girija Madhu received the 'Weekend Leader-VIT Person of the Year' award.
  • Ramya Devanathan was honored with the 'VIT Super Startup Award' for Madras Sarees.
  • Chancellor G. Viswanathan emphasized the need for systematic sports training in India.

In a distinguished ceremony, G. Viswanathan, the Founder-Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), presented the prestigious 'Weekend Leader' awards. The event celebrated individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership in diverse fields ranging from social welfare to business innovation.

Championing Inclusion: The Story of Girija Madhu

The 'Weekend Leader-VIT Person of the Year' award was conferred upon Girija Madhu from Kerala. As the founder of the Cerebral Palsy Sports Association of Kerala, Ms. Madhu has dedicated her life to training children with cerebral palsy in football, transforming them into competitive champions.

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Her journey was marked by immense personal sacrifice. In the nascent stages of her mission, she navigated the difficult task of convincing parents to allow their children to participate in sports. Facing severe financial constraints, she went as far as mortgaging her own gold jewelry to cover the essential costs of training and nutrition for the children.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Madras Sarees

Highlighting the spirit of entrepreneurship, VIT Vice President G.V. Selvam presented the 'Weekend Leader-VIT Super Startup Award' to Ramya Devanathan. After a two-decade career in the corporate sector, Ms. Devanathan launched Madras Sarees in 2021 with a modest investment of ₹2 lakh. Today, the enterprise boasts an annual turnover of approximately ₹12 crore, offering a vast collection of 3,500 varieties, with 70% of designs developed in-house.

India has the potential to become a major sporting nation if governments and institutions work together to identify and train promising youngsters.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that recognizing grassroots heroes like Madhu and rising entrepreneurs like Devanathan is crucial for fostering a culture of excellence. These stories bridge the gap between social responsibility and economic growth, proving that impact and profit can coexist through dedicated leadership.

Did You Know?: Madras Sarees develops nearly 70% of its unique designs in-house, ensuring exclusivity for its customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was Girija Madhu's primary contribution?
Answer: She founded an association to train children with cerebral palsy in football, helping them achieve athletic success.

Question 2: How much investment did Ramya Devanathan start her business with?
Answer: She started Madras Sarees with an initial investment of ₹2 lakh in 2021.