V.C.Padmanabhan Memmorial Award – Vinod Rai redefined the role of C.A.G : Union Minister Prof .K.V.Thomas

Union Minister of State, Prof. K.V. Thomas said that Mr. Vinod Rai was the person , who had redefined the role of the Controller and Auditor General in the country by emphasizing the importance of transparency in democracy. Prof K.V.Thomas observed that while there was a difference of opinion about some of the specific conclusions made by Mr.Vinod Rai, there could be no denying his wider contributions. Prof K.V.Thomas was presenting V.C.Padmanabhan Memmorial Awards instituted by Manappuram Finance Ltd to four persons including Mr.Vinod Rai. Accepting the award, Mr. Vinod Rai said that auditors generally do not get any awards and recognitions but this was an exception. He lauded Manappuram’s contribution towards popularizing gold loans which converts an unproductive household asset into a productive asset. He also recalled his long association with Thrissur as the District Collector going back over 40 years from his earliest days in the Kerala cadre of the IAS. Along with Vinod Rai, Veteran actor Mr.Madhu, Mr.Jose Dominic (Casino Hotels, Kochi) and Mr.V.D.Satheesan MLa were also received V.C.Padmanabhan award for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields. Therambil Ramakrishnan MLA presided over the function. Manappuram Group Chair Mr.V.P.Nandakumar, Thrissur Muncipal Corporation Mayor Mr.I.P.Paul, Dr.V.M.Manoharan were among the speakers on the award distribution function. Later, Former UGC Chairman Dr.V.N.Rajasekharan Pillai delivered the V.C.Padmanabhan Memmorial Lecture on the topic- Corporate Social Responsibility and Development- Indian Perscpective.