Kottayam: The Chaitanya Excellence Awards, jointly organized by the Kottayam Social Service Society (KSSS) and the Fr. Abraham Mutholath Foundation, were presented in a grand public function held at the Chaitanya Pastoral Centre in Thellakam, Kottayam. The awards are a tribute to individuals who have played a vital role in supporting and guiding the social welfare initiatives of KSSS, the official social service wing of the Archdiocese of Kottayam.
Kerala’s Minister for Cooperatives, Ports, and Devaswom, V.N. Vasavan, inaugurated the award ceremony and commended the KSSS for its impactful programs aimed at uplifting the marginalized sections of society. In his address, he lauded the Society’s vision and its effective grassroots implementation of social development projects across the district.
Presiding over the event, Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt emphasized that KSSS’s activities have helped bring the socially excluded into the mainstream by fostering a culture of compassion, service, and human dignity. He praised the institution’s role in enabling community-based initiatives that uphold the values of solidarity and brotherhood.
This year’s recipients of the Chaitanya Excellence Awards included senior IAS officer and Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, T.K. Jose; MLA and State Minority Development Finance Corporation Chairman, Stephen George; Kerala State Disability Commissioner, Dr. Baburaj P.T; Principal Agriculture Officer of Pathanamthitta District, Shirley Zacharias; and retired Tehsildar and KSSS Board Member, George Kurian Pandavath. Each honoree received a cash prize of ₹20,001 along with a memento in recognition of their exceptional service in their respective fields.
Government Chief Whip Dr. N. Jayaraj delivered the keynote address, underscoring the need for continued efforts toward inclusive development and praising the awardees as role models for social commitment. The benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Animoottil, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Kottayam and President of KSSS, who spoke of the enduring legacy of selfless service that the Society aims to nurture.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries including MLAs Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adv. Mons Joseph, Mani C. Kappan, Adv. Chandy Oommen, and former MP Thomas Chazhikadan. Also present were KSSS Executive Director Fr. Sunil Perumanoor and Associate Director Fr. Jeffin Ozhungalil, along with several civic leaders and administrative officials such as Ettumanoor Block Panchayat President Arya Rajan, Knanaya Catholic Congress President P.A. Babu Parambadathmalayil, and municipal and panchayat representatives from the region.
Representatives from law enforcement, youth organizations, and self-help groups also took part in the function. Notable among them were Kottayam Narcotics Cell DySP A.J. Thomas, Knanaya Catholic Women’s Association President Shiny Cyriac, and Knanaya Catholic Youth League President Johnys P. Stephen. Their presence highlighted the collective support for the mission of social justice pursued by KSSS.
A crowd of over 1,500 representatives from self-help groups affiliated with KSSS’s areas of operation added vibrancy to the event, showcasing the strength and solidarity of grassroots movements. The Chaitanya Excellence Awards not only celebrated individual excellence but also underscored the enduring impact of community-driven development spearheaded by faith-based organizations in Kerala.