August 2023 has been a month of remarkable achievements and recognition for individuals and states in various domains. From cinematic triumphs to advancements in health and sports, here are the highlights of the awards conferred this month.

1. Manoj Bajpayee’s ‘Joram’ Shines at Durban International Film Festival

The film Joram, directed by Devashish Makhija, garnered two prestigious awards at the Durban International Film Festival. Manoj Bajpayee won the Best Actor award, while the film’s cinematographer, Piyush Puty, received the Best Cinematography award. The film addresses critical issues such as social inequalities, injustices faced by tribal communities, and deforestation.

2. Tamil Nadu Wins Best State Award for Organ and Tissue Transplantation

Tamil Nadu was honored with the Best Performing State Award 2023 in cadaver organ donation. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presented the award to Health Minister Ma Subramanian at the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day function in New Delhi. Tamil Nadu has been a leader in this field, ranking number one for six consecutive years from 2015 to 2020.

3. Kanwardeep Kaur Receives Home Minister’s Award for Excellence in Investigation

Chandigarh’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Kanwardeep Kaur, was awarded the Union Home Minister’s Medal of Excellence in Investigation for 2023. She was recognized for her outstanding investigative work in a minor’s rape case, which led to the accused being sentenced to death within 11 months. This award was given to 140 police personnel for their exceptional investigative skills.

4. Winners of the 69th National Film Awards

The 69th National Film Awards were announced at the National Media Center in New Delhi. Notable winners include:

• Best Actor: Allu Arjun for Pushpa: The Rise.
• Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kriti Sanon for Mimi.
• Best Feature Film: Rocketry.
• Best Director: Nikhil Mahajan for Godavari.
• Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: RRR.
• Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration: The Kashmir Files.
• Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi for Mimi.
• Best Hindi Film: Sardar Udham.
• Special Jury Award: Shershaah.

5. PM Modi Honored with The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Greece

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Greek President Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou in Athens. This honor recognizes his significant contributions to strengthening the bilateral relations between Greece and India. PM Modi is the first Indian prime minister and the first foreign head of government to receive this distinction.

6. Punjab Tops Nutrition Awareness Index 2023

Punjab emerged as the top state in the Nutrition Awareness Index 2023, released by the ‘Right To Protein’ campaign. The index assesses state-wise awareness, affordability, and accessibility of nutrition. Punjab scored 11% above the national average, while Bihar ranked at the bottom, scoring 10% below the national average.

7. Gukesh D Becomes India’s Number One Chess Player

India’s Grandmaster Gukesh D surpassed Viswanathan Anand to become the country’s top chess player in August 2023, marking a significant milestone in his career.

8. Magnus Carlsen Wins Chess World Cup Final 2023

Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen won the Chess World Cup Final 2023 by defeating India’s R Praggnanandhaa in a tie-breaker. Praggnanandhaa, at 18, was the youngest World Cup finalist and winner ever.

9. Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold at World Athletics Championships

Neeraj Chopra made history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships held in Budapest, Hungary.

10. NAFIS Wins Gold Award for Fingerprint Identification System

The National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) Team won the Gold Award for Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering for Digital Transformation. This award was given by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAPRG).

Conclusion

August 2023 has been a month of significant achievements and honors across various fields. These awards highlight the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of individuals and organizations, setting new benchmarks of excellence and inspiring many others to strive for similar feats.