PALAKKAD: The third K P S Menon Memorial Award, instituted by the Sri Chettur Sankaran Nair Cultural Centre, was presented to Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao by former diplomat K P S Menon (junior) at a function held at the CSN auditorium at Ottapalam here on Monday.
Nirupama Rao said K P S Menon was one of the role models who shaped her life and career.
Her mother used to tell her about Menon when she was 12, which inspired her greatly, she said. "Leaders like Chettur Shankaran Nair had a progressive mindset which allowed women in Malabar to attain education and come to the forefront of life," Nirupama recalled.
"India's relevance is getting even more pronounced in the world day by day. In every sphere of activity be it politics, development or ecology India's stand was being eagerly watched by nations around the globe. In this context, the functions of a diplomat became wider encompassing a larger canvas.
Therefore, it is the duty of the youngsters to come forward and work for the nation," Nirupama said. Nirupama Rao's husband Sudhakar Rao was present. M B Rajesh MP presided over the meet. Nirupama Rao inaugurated the music and dance festival in connection with the event.
A Hindustani vocal concert by Rasika Vartak and an Odissi dance performance by Sandeepa Palit were held.