Santhome Awards Tamil Chief Minister Karunanidhi for supporting Christians

(Nov.25, 2008)- Santhome”, the Catholic Church’s leading communication center in Tamil Nadu, has honoured state chief minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi with a Life Time Achievement award. Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, presented the award to the 84-year political leader on Sunday. The Archbishop lauded the atheist politician for his support for Christians. "Karunanidhi has been a great support to the Christian and marginalized communities. He tried to ensure justice for all, as is necessary in a just and equitable society,” the prelate said.
During the ceremony, the chief minister announced the plan to implement a special reservation package that would help poor Tamil Christians to get jobs and seats in educational institutions. The award carries a cash prize of 10 lakh (one million) rupees. Organisers said the money would help a fund being collected to provide humanitarian aid to Sri Lankan Tamils.
The Santhome awards are constituted for recognizing media organizations and professionals, promoting moral, social, cultural and spiritual values aiming the development of Tamil Nadu.