M P Veerendra Kumar presented G Ramanujam award 2016

Eminent Malayalam author and journalist M P Veerendra Kumar was today presented the G Ramanujam award for 2016, by the Indian National Trade Union Congress.
Kumar was chosen for the award, instituted in the name of late INTUC leader G Ramanujamby "Indian Thozhilali" magazine run by INTUC, for his invaluable contributions to the media field.
The award carrying a prize of Rs 11,111 was presented by INTUC national president G Sanjiva Reddy to Kumar at a function here.
Kumar is the right person to receive the award, Reddy said.
"During his tenure as Union Labour Minister we used to often meet and discuss the problems of the labour force of the country," the veteran labourunion leader said, adding "Veerendra Kumar was instrumental in increasing the PF contribution from 8.33 per cent to 10 percent."

Inaugurating the function, senior Congress leader Aryadhan Muhammed said Veerendra Kumar is a good parliamentarian and an eminent writer who shone in all fields he set his foot in.

In his address, Kumar said INTUC does not see division between trade unions.
The fact that last year's award was given away to a CITU leader itself is a proof of it, he said.
"We are talking about trade unionism and Ramanujam was the architect of labour force in the country getting various facilities," he noted.
"The Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre is following a policy of monolithic culture, monolithic politics which we have to oppose tooth and nail," he said.

In our country every one has the right to his religious belief and culture, he said.
"If the united fight of political parties, by including trade unions is taken up both inside and outside the parliament, then the dreams of Modi will be brought to dust," he added.
Kumar is the chairman and managing director of the Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi and a Rajya Sabha MP.
He has served thrice as the chairman of the Press Trust of India and is currently a director in the news agency.