The Pride of Tamil Community Award

An Award to Honor Mrs. Victoria Theogarajan's Legacy

The Kurinji Muthamizh Sangam has instituted an award to honor the life of Mrs. Victoria Theogarajan. Mr. Cecil Sunder's wife Mrs. Victoria Theogarajan left us in December 2022 due to cancer. Mrs. Victoria Theogarajan was a beloved person known as a role model for her compassion, unwavering love, and commitment to improving the lives of those around her. Their deep conviction and commitment to making a positive impact within our community and beyond is commendable. She received widespread respect for her contributions to the Tamil community in Colorado. Mrs. Victoria Theogarajan who lived with us and passed away. To honor the life of Victoria Theogarajan, the Kurinji Muthamizh Sangam has established this award to honor the beloved people of Colorado who have served the community like her.


The Pride of Tamil Community Award - Winner 2024

Mr. Ravi Mahalingam.

Mr. Ravi Mahalingam is a research professor in Department of Neurology at Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado. He also served on the editorial board and also reviewed various journals. There are #138 publications on his name. He has mentored many students & postdoctoral fellows and has made a difference in the life of several young professionals who in turn are also serving this society. He has several patents related to Human Health Conditions. He was the first president of Tamil Association of Colorado. He also went through challenges at the early stage of the association and made it successful till date with the help of beloved members. The Kurinji Muthamizh Sangam takes pride in honoring Mr.Ravi Mahalingam with “The Pride of the Tamil Community Award for 2024”.


The Pride of Tamil Community Award - Winner 2025

Mr. Godwin Sahayaraj Vincent

Mr. Godwin Sahayaraj Vincent is a Senior Architect at AWS, Amazon, renowned for his professional expertise and his ardent philanthropy. Passionate about empowering the next generation, Godwin actively supports young individuals in achieving their educational and career aspirations. His efforts have contributed to nurturing great doctors, engineers, and IAS officers. Dedicated to advancing opportunities for girls from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, he invests his time, money, and energy in their education, equipping them with cloud skills and assisting in their job placement. Additionally, Godwin has successfully mobilized resources to construct a home for destitute women, playing a pivotal role in helping countless young people realize their dreams.


The Pride of Tamil Community Award - Winner 2025

Mrs. Anou Manavalan

Mrs. Anou Manavalan is a distinguished strategic software engineering leader with 29 years of technology experience. Currently serving as the Vice President of Software Engineering at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Anou has been an influential member of Steer Co, a venture capital advisory board, and multiple nonprofit boards. As a dedicated continuous learner, Anou is an inspiring women leader who stays abreast of technological advancements, including Generative AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and Bitcoin.
Anou's passions are deeply rooted in community service and education. For over 15 years, she has been committed to teaching Tamil to children. Her initiative, Arichuvadi, currently fosters language learning for 175 children and has successfully graduated many others over the years. Anou also champions the empowerment of girls and women in the tech industry through various nonprofit organizations. She has established a Women in Tech resource group within her company and created AIMM, an initiative that supports women in financial literacy, home management, health, and nutrition.


The Pride of Tamil Community Award - Winner 2024

Mr. Sanjai Natesan.

Mr. Sanjai Natesan is an amazing human being with an extremely positive and cheerful attitude. He is a part of the Tamil Association of Colorado and has done ample of services to the Indian community, in individual capacity and also as a Board member of Hindu temple of Rockies. He has organized blood donation campaigns, food donation drives and has been a support of several other social cause benefiting the Colorado community. He has organized multiple competitions and events for the youth of Indian community to portray their talents and thus develop the interest of the language and culture amongst the next generation. He gives a helping hand to anyone who reaches out to him. The positive energy and enthusiasm that Mrs. Vicky Cecil has left behind is seen and felt a lot through Mr. Sanjai’s work for our society. The Kurinji Muthamizh Sangam takes pride in honoring Mr. Sanjai Natesan with “The Pride of the Tamil Community Award for 2024".


The Pride of Tamil Community Award - Winner 2026

Mr. Shankar Nagalakshmi Kolappan

Mr. Shankar Nagalakshmi Kolappan exemplifies the true spirit of service and leadership within the Tamil community. Since relocating to Colorado, he has consistently and selflessly dedicated his time and energy to a wide range of community initiatives. His commitment spans social service activities, sports development programs, and direct support for individuals and families in need. What distinguishes Mr. Shankar is not only his participation but also his sincerity and humility. He does not merely advocate for service—he lives it. He regularly volunteers his weekends to support food distribution efforts for unhoused individuals, demonstrating compassion through meaningful action. On the badminton court, he invests his time mentoring young players, teaching them not only athletic skills but also confidence, discipline, and resilience. His mentorship extends beyond sport, shaping character and fostering self-belief in the next generation. Despite his extensive service, Mr. Shankar has never sought acknowledgment or recognition. It is precisely this humility and sustained dedication that make him truly deserving of this honor. Kurinji Muthamizh Sangam & Academy is proud to recognize Mr. Shankar Kolappan's distinguished service to society with the Pride of Tamil Community Award. This recognition not only celebrates his outstanding contributions but also serves to inspire others to follow his example of selfless service and community leadership.


The Pride of Tamil Community Award - Winner 2026

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Siva Ravichandran

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Siva Ravichandran exemplifies the spirit of service and stands as an inspiring role model for the next generation of the Tamil community. Throughout his master's program at the University of Colorado Boulder, Mr. Sanjay demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social causes, consistently dedicating his time and efforts to various volunteer initiatives. His passion for community service extends well beyond his academic journey—he continues to actively contribute to meaningful causes and is now a proud and valued member of Kurinji Aram team. We are honored to recognize individuals like Mr. Sanjay, whose dedication and selflessness serve as an inspiration to countless young leaders in our community. Kurinji Muthamizh Sangam & Academy is proud to recognize Mr. Sanjay Kumar Siva Ravichandran's distinguished service to society with the Pride of Tamil Community Award. His dedication and selflessness serve as an inspiration to countless young leaders in our community.