Coimbatore – Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) was set up on October 02, 2022, which has a memorial and exhibition hall showcasing the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi

In the year 1934, Mahatma Gandhi Visited Coimbatore on February 06 and 7th. During his visit, he stayed in the renowned inventor and scientist G D Naidu’s house at Podanur. In memory of Mahatma Gandhi’s stay, this house has been renovated and opened to the public as Mahatma Gandhi Memorial

To commemorate the 91 years’ completion of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit, Manithaneyam Award 2025 conferring ceremony was held at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial on March 14th 2025, to honour Social activists from Coimbatore who dedicate themselves for the wellbeing of the society through their social service.

The Manithaneyam Award 2025, is given to the unsung heroes, who contribute to the society and environment in whichever manner they are capable of, with the sole motive of serving to the society. They are silent crusaders who are never in the limelight

MGM committee has identified 10 such individuals based out of Coimbatore, who have contributed immensely through their tireless service to the society. This award recognises and celebrates the humanism in these individuals.

Social activist and recipient of Mahatma Gandhi Manithaneyam award 2025 are

Mr. M. Yoganathan, Mr. P. Mahendran, Mr. Raja Sethu Murali, Mr. A. Loganathan, Mrs. V. Vairamani, Tasleema Nasreen, Mr. Ganesh Somasundaram, Mr. L. Udiram Gopi, Mrs. C. Jayaprabha and Mrs. N . Valli of Coimbatore.

Chief Guest Mr. Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, I.A.S, Hon’ble District Collector of Coimbatore, presented the award and praised the social service of the social activists.

Dr. N. Markandan, a Gandhian and Former Vice Chancellor of Gandhigram university, Dindigul graced the occasion. Dr. B. K. Krisharaj Vanavarayar, Educationist, Coimbatore gave his opening remarks, Mr. G. D. Rajkumar, Trustee Mahatma Gandhi Memorial delivered the welcome address and Mr. G. D. Gopal, Managing Trustee, G. D. Naidu Charities was present and graced the occasion.

Giving away the awards to the social workers, Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar said: “It is a matter of pride that we are standing at the feet of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence is timeless. It is important that we all follow Gandhi’s path of peace. Let the Gandhian principle of non-violence guide us on the path of world peace. Congratulations to all the awardees. That’s how he spoke.

Dr. N. Markandan, former Vice-Chancellor of Gandhigram Rural University, said: “The world needs to take back Gandhian principles. Following Gandhian philosophy is the only way to lead the world on the path of peace. Today, the world is plagued by violence, murder, robbery, and sexual assault. The Gandhian principle of non-violence is the only way to get rid of these atrocities. Albert Einstein, the inventor of the atomic bomb, died at the end of his life. Even well-known economists have marvelled at Gandhi’s rural economy. Mahatma Gandhi had said that the country needs programmes that improve the lives of the poor and the downtrodden. Today, there are very few people who follow the Gandhian way. I congratulate the awardees for following the Gandhian way even in today’s time. That’s how he spoke.

Speaking on the occasion, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, President, Mr. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar said: Today, the place where Gandhiji came to Coimbatore and stayed at Pothanur carries the memories of 90 years. The house is a memorial to the G.D. Naidu family. Otherwise, it will become a movie theater and a shopping mall. Those who follow Gandhian principles live a long life. Here Gandhiji ‘s followers above the age of 91 can be seen. Gandhian principles should be inculcated in the young generation. That’s how he spoke.