Bishops honor Karunanidhi with Life Time Achievement award

Santhome Communication Centre, started in 1976 by Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council in Chennai, honored Chief Minister M Karunanidhi with a Life Time Achievement award.

Held once in a year, the award ceremony recognizes those who excel in the field of media with the "Santhome Award".

Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, presented the award to the 84-year political leader on Sunday.

Archbishop Fernandes 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 it is necessary in a just and equitable society," the prelate was quoted saying by the ICNS.

Karunanidhi during the ceremony announced the plan to implement a special reservation package for poor Tamil Christians to get jobs and seats in educational institutions.

The award carries a cash prize of 10 lakh (one million) rupees. The money, organizers said, would help provide humanitarian aid to Sri Lankan Tamils.