Award to honour achievers in state

Last October, when Nashik athlete, Kavita Raut, won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, she became the pride of the nation.

Last October, when Nashik athlete, Kavita Raut, won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, she became the pride of the nation.

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The 25-year-old is among the 37 achievers nominated for the first ‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year’ Award.

Lokmat Media Limited has instituted the awards to honour achievers in various fields – politics, public/social service, sport, business, entertainment, science and technology and industry. The Hindustan Times is a partner for the event.

“Lokmat believes that whosoever sheds his or her blood and sweat on this land is a Maharashtrian,” said Vijay Darda, chairman of Lokmat Media Limited. “Those who worked for the development of Maharashtra, cutting across caste and religious barriers, and preserved its language and culture are Maharashtrians. Therefore, to salute such personalities and to recognise their work, Lokmat has instituted this award.”

Each of the categories has five nominees, with the list including actor Aamir Khan, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, ecologist Madhav Gadgil and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, among others.

The panel of judges includes social activist Anna Hazare, former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar, scientist Raghunath Mashelkar and journalist Rajdeep Sardesai.

The awards will be given at the Taj President hotel on Thursday.