Mahatma Gandhi Memorial commemorates 92nd anniversary of Gandhiji's Visit to Coimbatore

February 06 and 07 are very significant days for Coimbatore City. On February 06 & 07 1934, Mahatma Gandhiji visited Coimbatore. He stayed at GD Naidu's residence in Podanur and the place has been developed as Mahatma Gandhi Memorial which treasures the life and values of Mahatma Gandhiji. 

To commemorate 92nd anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji's visit to Coimbatore, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial organised the Mahatma Gandhi Manithaneyam Award 2026 ceremony in its premises at 11 AM on Friday, February 06 2026. This ceremony was organized with the aim of honoring social workers who embody Mahatma Gandhi's principles of humanity, service, and non-violence in their lives and serve society with utmost dedication.

Mr. Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, I.A.S., Honourable District Collector, Coimbatore participated as the chief guest and presented the Mahatma Gandhi Manithaneyam Awards for 2026. Eminent leaders of Coimbatore, Dr. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Mr. G.D. Gopal, and Mr. G.D. Rajkumar participated as special guests.During the event, the "Manithaneyam Award 2025 – Annual Souvenir" was released by the Coimbatore District Collector, Mr. Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, I.A.S., and received by Dr. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar. The souvenir documents the humanitarian journeys of past awardees.

The Mahatma Gandhi Manithaneyam Award 2026 was presented to the following 10 social activists. The recepients are from various parts of Tamil Nadu and the award is presented in appreciation of their commitment to social service and tireless efforts to improve our society. 

1. Mrs. Kavitha Janarthanan – Ini Oru Vidhi Seivom Charitable Trust
2. Mr. K.R. Raja – Global Network for Equality – India
3. Mrs. Saraswathi – Headmistress, Government Middle School, Kurumalai, Vellore District
4. Mr. A. Mohammed Basith – Annai Ambulance Service, Rajapalayam
5. Mr. M.K. Damodaran & Mrs. Nalini – Anbuneri Charitable Trust, Dindigul
6. Mr. Ganapathy Subramaniam Shanmugam – Water for Voiceless, Chennai
7. Mr. Manuneethi – Retired Divisional Engineer, Highways Department
8. Mr. A.S. Sankaranarayanan – Founder & Managing Trustee, Native Medicare Charitable Trust
9. Mr. M. Ganesh – Helping Hearts
10. Mr. M. Sirajudeen – Coordinator, Wildlife & Nature Conservation Trust (WNCT)

In his address, the District Collector praised the humanitarian services of all the award recipients and urged the youth to follow the path of service shown by Mahatma Gandhi. The ceremony concluded with a pledge to continue following Mahatma Gandhi's principles of humanity, equality, and non-violence. Mr.G.D.Rajkumar, Chairman, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Trust delivered the Welcome Address. In his address, Mr. G.D. Rajkumar highlighted the significance of Gandhian values in contemporary society. The opening address was delivered by Dr. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar who eloquently emphasised the role of education and social responsibility in nation building. 

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Podanur showcases the life and message of Mahatma Gandhiji and is open to general public in Coimbatore.