Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra, has conferred the prestigious Kulapati Munshi Award -2023 on Mr G.D.Gopal, Managing Trustee, G.D.Naidu Charities.
Delivering the Presidential address, Dr B.K.Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan said that Bhavan which has been founded by Dr. K. Munshi has been undertaking various activities to promote India’s ageless culture and heritage. The Kulapati Munshi Award which has been instituted to perpetuate the memory of Bhavan’s Founder is given to outstanding personalities who have not only been successful in tune with Bhavan’s ideals but have also contributed significantly to the welfare of the society. The Kendra is proud to confer the award on Sri. G.D.Gopal for his outstanding contributions to the industry, Science & Technology and Gandhian principles. He complimented Sri. Gopal, for spreading Gandhian values among the student community and the public at large by establishing The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Coimbatore which has become one of the notable memorials for the Mahatma in South India. He then conferred the award on Sri. G.D.Gopal.
Mr. Vijay Mohan, Founder, PRICOL, recalled the scientific and technological achievements of Mr. Gopal such as being the first in India to manufacture a pocket calculator in 1971. He explained how Mr. Gopal was instrumental in setting up diverse companies such as UMS Technologies, Gedee Weiler and GPlast, many of which are with German collaboration.

His efforts in setting up the Gedee Car Museum, and “Experimenta” the inter-active Science Museum on par with international museums has resulted in inspiring several young minds.

Dr Kezevino Aram, President of Shanti Ashram, lauded the efforts of Sri.G.D.Gopal in establishing the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Podanur which has become an important center for dissemination of Gandhian Thought. Today, in a world torn by strife, it is highly important to take ideals of Mahatma to the next generation, she added.
In his acceptance speech Mr. Gopal thanked the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for conferring the award on him. He said that Coimbatore was a place where several stalwards have achieved much in various fields and continue to inspire others.