Kollam: J.K. Menon, Chairman of Qatar-based ABN Corporation and Director of NORKA Roots, has been awarded the prestigious V. Gangadharan Memorial Trust Award for Best Young Expatriate Entrepreneur with Social Responsibility. The award was presented at a ceremony held at Swaralaya Auditorium, Kollam, by Kerala's Industry and Law Minister, P. Rajeev, who praised the significant role non-resident entrepreneurs play in transforming Kerala’s industrial landscape. The award includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a citation, and a sculpture.

During the event, Minister Rajeev emphasized the government’s efforts to empower Kerala’s housewives, noting that around three lakh small and large enterprises have been launched in the past three years, with one lakh of them led by women. He also highlighted the increasing trend of expatriates returning to Kerala to start businesses.

Revenue Minister K. Rajan, who inaugurated the ceremony, announced that the facility for online payment of land rights for non-residents will soon be made available, with more details to follow in the state’s 100-day action plan, as part of the Pinarayi government's third anniversary.

In addition to the award presentation, J.K. Menon distributed educational scholarships to 100 excellent students from Kollam. Each student received ₹1000 and a certificate. The citation was presented by Dr. G. Rajmohan, former CMD of Hindustan Latex and son of V. Gangadharan. The ceremony was presided over by Trust Chairman Adv. G. Satyababu, with speeches from MK Premachandran MP and Trust Secretary RS Babu. 

The event also paid tribute to former speaker and freedom fighter V. Gangadharan and Padma Shri Advocate CK Menon for their philanthropic contributions.

The evening concluded with a cultural performance featuring renowned singers Unni Menon and Rajalakshmi, along with a dance performance by Nadanam Dance Academy.