Defence minister A K Antony Thursday conferred the award instituted in the name of late freedom fighter E Moidu Moulavi Sahib on Kerala PCC President Ramesh Chennithala.
Speaking on the occasion, Antony called upon the congress workers in the state to strengthen the hands of Chennithala and Chief Minister Oommen chandy, for the development and progress of Kerala.
Kerala was witnessing fast paced development in all sectors, he said, adding, while a section of the people was getting the benefits of the development, there are a section, who have been denied or ignored of the benefits.
These people value 'social justice' more than development, he said.
Congress in the state could move ahead more strongly if it was able to find impartial solutions to social and political problems of the people, he said.
Pointing that caste and religion are a reality in the society, Antony urged congressmen not to show undue affection towards any caste or religion. Congressmen should work for 'social justice', he said.
The strength of any organisation is 'old and new', Antony said, adding that a healthy organisation needs both the experienced as well as the energetic new generation.
Antony also gave away the Mohammed Rehman awards to veteran Journalists including R Madhavan Nair of 'The Hindu' newspaper.
Those who spoke included Socialist Janata (Democratic) state President M P Veerendrakumar, former State BJP President P S Sreedharan Pillai and K Raghavan, MP.
Chennithala, who was chosen for the award for his efficient organisational work, replied to the felicitation.