2020 has been an unprecedented year of trials, tribulations and human strife. Humanity has been tested to the ultimate by the pandemic that took the world by storm. However, among loss of lives, jobs and livelihoods, untold stories of struggle and hardships, emerged shining stars of kindness, resilience and strength.
I AM STRONGEST AWARDS 2020 recognized the brave warriors that stood guard at the gates to protect the helpless population that is still grappling with the effects of the pandemic and its social, psychological and economic fallouts.
Frontline workers in the medical profession and security forces have borne the brunt of the pandemic, many of whom have paid for it with their lives. In India, out of several doctors, police personnel, paramedics and many others who tested COVID-19 positive and passed away, quite a few are from Tamil Nadu. We salutethesemartyrs, who deserve to be honoured on par withour soldiers. To pay homage and in memory of these brave hearts, SharonPly decided to posthumouslyhonourthe following three frontline workers from Tami l Nadu,
1. Dr. A. Simon Hercules – The first Medical Doctor who was martyred by the Pandemic in TN
2. Inspector Balamurali – The first Police personnel who was martyred by the Pandemic in TN
3. Sister Joan Mary Priscilla – The first Medical Nurse who was martyred by the Pandemic in TN
SharonPly has chosen them based on media reports that are in the public domain. It is quite possible that there were others like them that were not reported. Opinions could differ too. SharonPly would like to take this in appealing to everyone to remember all those who gave up their lives while serving humanity.
It is the sincere wish of SharonPly that this gesture will trigger a trend among other Corporates to recognize the heroes of the pandemic year and reward their selfless/priceless services. It is after all true that “Strong people stand up for themselves, but strongest people stand up for others!” (Chris Gardner).
Due to the pandemic situation the award ceremony was a virtual event, conducted on 31st December 2020. The chief guest for the event was Dr. C. Sylendra Babu, IPS who gave away the awards virtually to the families of the awardees. Mr. Vishnu Khemani, Managing Director of SharonPly gave away the cheque of `51,000 each virtually to the families of the awardees.
