Renowned environmentalist and social activist Pandurang Hegde was conferred the inaugural M P Veerendra Kumar National Thought Leadership award for his work in forest conservation and community-based environmental activism.
The award was presented by water conservationist Magsaysay award winner Dr Rajendra Singh at an event commemorating the fifth death anniversary of the writer, politician, and former CMD of Mathrubhumi, M P Veerendra Kumar.
The honour carries a citation, plaque, and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, which Hedge announced he was sharing with the members of Prakurti, an environmental organisation in Sirsi, Uttara Kannada.
