CCMC Commissioner K Vijayakarthikeyan presented the ‘green awards’ in four categories—individual, group, NGO and student—to those who celebrated a cracker-free Diwali.

While Dr Ashwini stood first place in the individual category, the second prize went to RTS Rajan. Srivari Adwait Apartment and Pasumai Desam Arakkattalai won the top place in the Group and NGO categories. Akshaya, a school student, won the first place in the student category and the second place went to Deepesh, a BCom first year student.

Rathinam College of Arts and Science (NSS Unit) and Sowmade (Social Workers Make a Difference) won came second in the Group and NGO categories.

There were 40 green Diwali celebration entries, made through WhatsApp and e-mail, across the four categories. Most participants also sent video clips of their cracker-free Diwali celebrations. The commissioner handed commendation certificates to all participants.

“The response from the public was immense in celebrating a cracker-free Diwali. The message should be taken forward and more people should follow the example of a green Diwali in the years ahead,” Vaijayakarthikeyan said.