Sun Feb 15 19:11:51 UTC 2026: # Humanitarian Awards Highlight Environmental Conservation Efforts in India

The Story:

The Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) presented the 30th Mary Clubwala Jadhav Award for Humanitarian Service to Bal Pandian, known as the ‘Bird Man of Koothankulam’, and the Thuvakkam Welfare Association on February 16, 2026. The awards recognize their significant contributions to environmental conservation. The ceremony included a lecture by Arun Krishnamurthy, founder of the Environmentalist Foundation of India, who emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility as an integral part of humanitarian service, specifically addressing encroachment on water bodies and the need for lake restoration.

Key Points:

  • The 30th Mary Clubwala Jadhav Award for Humanitarian Service was presented on February 16, 2026.
  • Recipients were Bal Pandian (the ‘Bird Man of Koothankulam’) and the Thuvakkam Welfare Association.
  • Each recipient received a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
  • Arun Krishnamurthy delivered an endowment lecture focusing on environmental responsibility and the need to address encroachment on water bodies.
  • The event was held at the Madras School of Social Work (MSSW).

Key Takeaways:

  • Environmental conservation is increasingly being recognized as a critical aspect of humanitarian service in India.
  • Individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving the environment are being acknowledged and rewarded for their efforts.
  • The focus on water body restoration and addressing encroachment reflects growing concerns about ecological imbalance and species decline in India.

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