!['At the farmer's festival...'](http://media.assettype.com/vikatan%2F2024-01%2F0a6d64a6-8a02-4d44-91c5-f9204a8728c3%2Fkaarthi.jpg?rect=0%2C0%2C4160%2C2340&w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Karthi's 'Uzhavan Foundation' recently hosted the annual 'Uzhavar Awards Festival' in Chennai. The event drew notable personalities from the film industry, including Sivakumar, Rohini, Thambi Ramaiah, Pasupathy, Keerthi Pandian, and agricultural experts like Dr. K. Sivaraman and Prof. Sultan Ahmed Ismail.
The festival, organized by Karthi's foundation, recognizes outstanding contributions to agriculture. Not just limited to cinema, the foundation actively engages in agricultural initiatives, including pond desilting.
In his speech, Karthi emphasized the importance of appreciating farmers beyond the Pongal festival, highlighting their significant role in sustaining our daily lives. The 'Uzhavar Awards' ceremony, now in its 5th year, aims to shine a light on agricultural achievers facing natural calamities.
Venkatesh: Superintendent of Thirumangalam Regulated Market, Madurai, honored for outstanding contributions to farmers' development.
Aparna Karthikeyan : Best Agricultural Journalist, recognized for consistent coverage of farmers, particularly women farmers.
Pallur Landless Agricultural Women's Association: Best Farmers' Federation award for transforming fallow land into a collective farm.
Rajalakshmi: Tribal woman contributing to tribal welfare and securing fair prices for agricultural produce.
Chitravel: Recognized for substantial contributions to the development of forest-based communities and water body restoration.
Each awardee received a trophy and a Rs 1 lakh cheque in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the agricultural sector. The ceremony marked another year of celebrating those dedicated to the growth and well-being of the farming community.