The Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation has announced ten recipients of its National Excellence Awards 2026, recognising outstanding contributions in journalism, science reporting, art and culture, social service and diaspora engagement. Selected from more than 1,000 entries nationwide, the awardees will receive a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh each.
A legacy of service, commitment and excellence continues to inspire the work of the Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation, which has announced ten recipients of its National Excellence Awards for 2026. The awards recognise individuals whose contributions have made a meaningful difference to society across diverse fields.
Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan lived an ordinary life but worked extraordinarily for the betterment of society. Driven by passion, a messianic spirit and an uncommon sense of commitment, she made her mark as an active, creative and innovative journalist and a versatile writer. Yet, these professional accomplishments represented only a small part of her remarkable personality.
Her sudden demise left a void that remains unfilled. However, her ideals and vision continue to live through the people she inspired. She personified dynamism, enthusiasm and an abundance of goodness, bringing to ordinary life an extraordinary energy and purpose. The work she initiated and the dreams she cherished have become the responsibility of those who continue her mission. The Foundation’s awards are an extension of that commitment, seeking to recognise excellence and encourage meaningful contributions to society.
Now in its ninth year, the National Excellence Awards attracted more than 1,000 entries from across India, submitted in different languages and covering six categories. A team of experts evaluated the nominations and selected ten individuals for recognition. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, a memento and a citation.
Among the recipients from Kerala is Vineetha Venattu, Senior Sub-Editor of Janmabhumi Daily, Kochi, who will receive the Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan National Award for Excellence in Journalism 2026. She is being recognised for her journalistic and literary accomplishments and her contributions over the past two decades to promoting a nationalistic narrative in communication.
Sreedevi G. R., Senior Producer at Amrita TV, has been selected for the National Award for Excellence in Science Reporting. Over two decades, she has contributed to promoting scientific and spiritual awareness through television journalism. Her programmes, including Shreshta Bharatham, Sandhyadeepam, Pradhakshinam, Bharatha Dharshanam and Jeevadhara, have made a considerable impact on viewers’ socio-cultural lives.
The award for Excellence in Exposing Medical Malpractices goes to Dr. N. R. Madhu, editor of the Malayalam national weekly Kesari. A recognised writer and literary figure, he is also known for popularising science through his Science Corner channel. The platform makes subjects such as space science, quantum physics, Ayurveda, medical science and cosmology accessible to ordinary audiences, while highlighting India’s scientific achievements.
The art and culture category recognises two distinguished personalities. Mayank Jain, director of Route Stawk Films Pvt. Ltd., has been honoured for his contribution to filmmaking and production. His notable works include Crimson Crescent — The Last Quarter, The Bangla Crescent — ISI, Madrasas and Infiltration and India Tomorrow — The Gujarat Miracle.
Eminent artist Aswathy V. Nair is the other recipient in this category. An accomplished exponent of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi, she is being recognised for her artistic contributions and excellence. She is also the daughter of the late Jnanpith and Padma Vibhushan award-winning Malayalam literary legend M. T. Vasudevan Nair.
Three recipients have been selected for the Shri Dattopant Thengadi Seva Samman 2026 under the social service category. Punjabi singer Gagan Kokri is being recognised for his initiatives supporting the education and development of young people in Punjab and his efforts to promote a drug-free state.
Anu Susan Varughese, Headmistress of Government Higher Secondary School, Ala, Kerala, has been honoured for transforming a struggling 90-year-old government institution into a vibrant centre of learning. The school was facing closure because of declining student numbers and competition from private institutions. Her innovative initiatives and community engagement helped revive it, and the school’s transformation was recognised by NCERT in 2026 as a model at the national level.
Dr. Bhagavan B. C., Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, is the third recipient in this category. His contribution to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, particularly through initiatives that have mobilised thousands of young people to raise awareness about drug abuse, has earned him the recognition.
The two Pravasi Bharatiya awards acknowledge the contributions of Indians living abroad who continue to support the country’s development through professional achievements and social engagement. Rajendran Vellapalath, founder and CEO of AirBooking.com and IndiaFirst.com, and chairman of the Kerala Pravasi Association, has been recognised for his work towards the welfare and rights of expatriate Indians. His initiatives include advocating overseas voting rights and affordable air travel between India and the Gulf.
Benny Mathew of Dubai is the other recipient in this category. With more than three decades of professional experience, he has contributed to international business and entrepreneurship, particularly in strengthening business relations between international companies and the Middle East. His role in establishing Mirka Middle East as a successful multi-million-dollar enterprise has been highlighted by the Foundation.
Beyond the annual awards, the Foundation continues its social welfare initiative, Sarvamangalam, through which it provides a monthly pension of Rs. 2,000 to 51 families in Kerala affected by political violence. The programme was launched on October 12, 2022, by the then Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammad Khan, at a function in Thiruvananthapuram.
Through its annual recognition programme and welfare initiatives, the Foundation seeks to carry forward Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan’s vision of social commitment and meaningful public service. Its stated ambition is to build a lasting culture of excellence, confidence and creative awareness in Indian society by recognising individuals and institutions whose work contributes to nation-building.
The annual award ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 4 pm at the NDMC Convention Centre, Sansad Marg, New Delhi. Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryavah of the RSS, will attend as the chief guest. Swami Anandavanam Bharathi Ji Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar of Sri Panch Dasnam Juna Akhada, and Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, will attend as guests of honour.
As the Foundation celebrates another year of recognising exceptional contributions, the awards also serve as a reminder that the dreams and initiatives of Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan continue through the work of those committed to making a difference.
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