{"id":41480,"date":"2025-09-24T14:14:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T08:44:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dailynewsindia.co.in\/index.php\/2025\/09\/24\/vpn-ibe-awards-2025-honor-trailblazers-with-style\/"},"modified":"2025-09-24T14:14:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T08:44:24","slug":"vpn-ibe-awards-2025-honor-trailblazers-with-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailynewsindia.co.in\/index.php\/2025\/09\/24\/vpn-ibe-awards-2025-honor-trailblazers-with-style\/","title":{"rendered":"VPN IBE Awards 2025 honor trailblazers with style"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Kochi (Kerala) [India], September 24:<\/b> Kochi turned into a power stage on September 23. The VPN IBE Awards 2025 brought together leaders from business, healthcare, cinema, and philanthropy under one roof and shone the spotlight on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people barely remember to thank their mentors. Dr Ajit Ravi went further. In 2015, he created the <\/span>VPN IBE Award<\/b> to salute the man who shaped his career: <\/span>V. P. Nandakumar<\/b>, Chairman and MD of <\/span>Manappuram Finance Ltd.<\/b> What started in Sri Lanka is now celebrating its 10th year in Kochi.<\/span><\/p>\n

The anniversary edition wasn\u2019t just another awards night. It was a statement: gratitude fuels legacy, and legacy powers impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

On September 23, the <\/span>Gokulam Convention Centre in Kochi<\/b> hosted the latest edition of the <\/span>Manappuram VPN IBE Awards 2025<\/b>. Red carpet, flashing lights, and applause that felt earned, not manufactured.<\/span><\/p>\n

The awards were co-presented by <\/span>V. P. Nandakumar<\/b> and <\/span>Dr Ajit Ravi<\/b>, who also helmed the evening. Their joint presence sent a clear message: this isn\u2019t about one man\u2019s ego. It\u2019s about a platform to celebrate excellence wherever it shows up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Honorees Who Redefine Excellence<\/b><\/h3>\n

Banking That Includes, Not Excludes<\/b><\/h4>\n

Dr K. Paul Thomas<\/b>, MD & CEO of <\/span>ESAF Group of Social Enterprises<\/b>, walked away with the <\/span>Beacon of Inclusive Banking Excellence Award<\/b>. His work has expanded financial inclusion into areas that banks typically overlook. In a country like India, where millions remain unbanked, that\u2019s not just noble, it\u2019s necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Healthcare With a Heart<\/b><\/h4>\n

Next, the <\/span>Exemplary Leader in Healthcare and Philanthropy Award<\/b> was presented to <\/span>S.K. Abdulla<\/b>, MD, of <\/span>Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre Ltd.<\/b> In a sector too often driven by profit margins, Abdulla\u2019s focus on care and giving back stood out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Building More Than Towers<\/b><\/h4>\n

Dr. Varghese Kurian<\/b>, Group Chairman and MD of <\/span>VKL Group<\/b>, received the <\/span>Business Luminary in Real Estate, Hospitality, and Philanthropy Award<\/b>. His track record goes beyond skyscrapers and luxury hotels. It\u2019s about philanthropy stitched into the business model, something Indian industries could use more of.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cinema Royalty<\/b><\/h4>\n

Veteran producer and media leader <\/span>Dr Gokulam Gopalan<\/b> was honoured with the <\/span>Lifetime Achievement Award in Indian Cinema<\/b>. With decades of work shaping Malayalam cinema and beyond, Gopalan\u2019s recognition was met with a standing ovation. Cinema in India isn\u2019t just entertainment. It\u2019s culture. And he has built plenty of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

India has no shortage of award nights. Half of them feel like selfie contests. The <\/span>VPN IBE Awards<\/b> cut differently. They focus on people who use success as a multiplier, creating opportunities, not just headlines.<\/span><\/p>\n

By honouring inclusive bankers, ethical healthcare leaders, community-minded business builders, and cultural giants, the awards underline a simple fact: power is pointless if it doesn\u2019t create impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hosting this in Kochi wasn\u2019t accidental. Kerala has a history of producing entrepreneurs who balance profit with responsibility. From cooperative banks to pioneering hospitals, the state thrives on models where community and commerce meet. The VPN IBE Awards plugged right into that tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every awardee had their moment on stage, and every acceptance speech echoed a mix of gratitude and vision. The applause wasn\u2019t polite; it was real. Attendees knew they were watching not just winners, but changemakers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr Ajit Ravi and V. P. Nandakumar didn\u2019t just hand over trophies. They reinforced a decade-old tradition: celebrating leadership that isn\u2019t afraid to stand tall.<\/span><\/p>\n

And in a year when India continues to push boundaries in business, cinema, and healthcare, the VPN IBE Awards 2025 couldn\u2019t have been better timed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kochi (Kerala) [India], September 24: Kochi turned into a power stage on September 23. The VPN IBE Awards 2025 brought together leaders from business, healthcare, cinema, and philanthropy under one roof and shone the spotlight on them. Most people barely remember to thank their mentors. Dr Ajit Ravi went further. In 2015, he created the…<\/p>\n

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