Tusker National Awards for Business & Entrepreneurial excellence presented
A notable shift towards a more business-friendly and entrepreneurial environment is currently underway in Kerala, as asserted by Food and Civil Supplies Minister of Kerala Mr. G.R. Anil. He conveyed this message during the Indo-Continental Trade and Entrepreneurship Council’s (ICTEP) Business Summit and the second annual Tusker Awards ceremony, held at Hotel Hyacinth in Thiruvananthapuram, on May 17, 2025.
Minister Anil highlighted the impact of strategic initiatives on this evolving landscape, stating, “The perception of Kerala as an industry-friendly state, combined with the development of projects like the Vizhinjam International Port, is propelling Kerala into a new era of entrepreneurial opportunity.”
In his keynote address, Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor emphasized the critical role of entrepreneurs in national development. “The contribution of industrial entrepreneurs to the nation’s progress is invaluable, and their efforts deserve commendation,” Dr. Tharoor remarked. “We must encourage our youth to become job creators, not just job seekers.” He also acknowledged Kerala’s progress, while advocating for a faster rate of change.
The Tusker Awards recognized outstanding achievements across diverse sectors, honoring individuals and organizations demonstrating innovation and business excellence. The 2025 recipients were:
Mr. Niyas PV, CEO of Fabbco Bio Cycle Ltd: Recognized for excellence in waste management and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Shashi Kumar Menon, CEO of Muralya Dairy Products Pvt Ltd: Awarded Brand of the Year.
Mr. S. Suresh Kumar, Managing Director of Numinous Impex (I) Pvt Ltd: Honored as Best Exporter of the Year.
Mr. R. Balachandran, Chairman of Buimerc India Foundation: Acknowledged for driving impactful philanthropic initiatives.
Mr. Chandrahasan T Menon, CEO of Saham Ayurvedic Hospitals and Health Centre LLC: Recognized for promoting Ayurveda in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Mr. Mujeeb Shamsudeen, Managing Director of Axo Media Pvt Ltd: Received recognition for excellence in strategic branding solutions.
Mr. PE Mathai, CEO of Muthoottu Mini Financiers Ltd: Named Most Trusted Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) of the Year.
M/s. Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala Pvt Ltd: Celebrated for authentic Ayurvedic practices.
M/s Brainz-Team Advisors (P) Ltd, led by Chairman Satihsh V: Recognized for excellence in corporate advisory services.
M/s SK Hospital, with Dr. Sandhya KS, CEO and Partner: Awarded Best Human Centric Hospital.
M/s ACET Migration, with Mrs. Liju Mary Jacob, Director: Acknowledged as Most Trusted MARA Registered Consultants.
Mr. R.K. Nair, former Executive Director, Corporate Communications, NTPC: Received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Minister G.R. Anil, for his significant career contributions.
The event also honored professionals from various other Indian states, including Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar, underscoring the awards’ increasing national significance.
The gathering featured addresses from several prominent figures, who shared their insights on the evolving business environment. These included Mr. P.H. Kurian, former Additional Chief Secretary of Kerala; Mr. G. Unnikrishnan, President of the Thiruvananthapuram Management Association; Mr. S.N. Raghuchandran Nair, President of the Thiruvananthapuram Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Dr. T. Vinay Kumar, Chairman of the ICTEP Council; Director K. Ravindran; and Secretary-General U.S. Kutty of ICTEP Council.
