Political leaders in Tamil Nadu today praised Prema, daughter of an autorickshaw driver from the State, who topped the nationwide Chartered Accountancy examinations, besides announcing awards for the girl.
Showering praises on Prema, Shipping Minister G. K. Vasan announced an award of Rs 5 lakh for her, noting that the girl’s father Jayakumar, a native of Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, migrated to Mumbai in search of a livelihood two decades ago.
“I personally feel that Prema’s performance should set an example for others to study well,” he said.
Vasan said he had instructed Ennore Port to release the amount from its Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The award cheque would be presented to her by the Minister in Chennai shortly.
The Minister said he had spoken to the girl’s father and also congratulated Prema, who lives at Malad in Mumbai.
Congratulating Prema, DMK President M. Karunanidhi also announced an award of Rs 1 lakh for her.