MAHE Honors Excellence at Annual New Year Awards Ceremony

Manipal, January 11, 2025: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) hosted its prestigious annual New Year Awards Ceremony at the picturesque KMC Greens, celebrating exceptional achievers across diverse fields. The event, held on Saturday, brought together a vibrant gathering of distinguished guests, faculty, students, and members of the community to honor excellence, dedication, and impactful contributions.

This year, four remarkable individuals were recognized for their outstanding achievements in law, the arts, healthcare, and philanthropy. The honorees were lauded for their unwavering commitment to their fields and their efforts to make a lasting difference in society.

The ceremony was spearheaded by Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor and President of the Academy of General Education (AGE), along with Dr. Ranjan R Pai, Chairman of MEMG and President of the MAHE Trust. The felicitation address was delivered by Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, who commended the awardees for their exceptional contributions to society.

Honorees of the New Year Awards 2025

1. Justice P. Vishwanatha Shetty – A legal luminary and former Lokayukta of Karnataka, Justice Shetty was honored for his contributions to justice and transparency. With a career spanning decades, his efforts in championing legal reforms and anti-corruption initiatives have set a benchmark in governance and public service.
2. Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy – A celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, Dr. Doraswamy has elevated Indian classical arts on the global stage. Her pioneering choreographies and dedication to nurturing new talent have enriched the cultural landscape.
3. Shri Tekkar Yashwanth Prabhu – A distinguished banker and philanthropist, Shri Prabhu has contributed immensely to the Indian banking sector. His philanthropic efforts reflect his dedication to societal upliftment and economic growth.
4. Dr. P. Mohan Rao – A veteran cardiologist with over six decades of experience, Dr. Rao was recognized for his contributions to healthcare and cardiology. His leadership in medical education and practice has left a profound impact on the healthcare sector.

The ceremony featured heartfelt speeches by the awardees, who expressed gratitude and reflected on their journeys. Dr. Ballal emphasized the importance of recognizing such achievers, stating, “Honoring their contributions inspires future generations to aim higher and strive for excellence.”

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Venkatesh echoed these sentiments, adding, “These achievers exemplify the transformative power of dedication and innovation. Their work is a beacon of hope and inspiration for society.”