Meet S. Damodaran, Padma Shri awardee selling vegetables for his poll campaign.

S. Damodaran, a Padma Shri awardee, is contesting as an independent candidate from Tiruchirappalli. Aged 62 and native to Tiruchirappalli, he is running in the election with the gas stove symbol.

He has been actively seeking votes at the city’s Gandhi Market from the public and vegetable vendors. Expressing his commitment to the local constituency, Mr. Damodaran emphasized his roots in the city and his 40-year tenure as an Associate Service volunteer in the sanitation sector.

He spoke proudly about receiving the Padma Shri award at the age of 60 from the then President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, acknowledging his significant contributions to the sanitation sector. Revealing his extensive career in social service, Mr. Damodaran highlighted his involvement in providing water and sanitation facilities in both rural and urban areas.

He shared that he commenced his social work at the age of 21 during the tenure of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and has served under nine different prime ministers since. Mr. Damodaran also outlined his plans for Tiruchirappalli, emphasizing the need to transform the city into a clean and green area and the demand for a Ring Road due to its central location.

He also mentioned initiatives to construct flyovers at strategic locations in the city. The Padma Shri, which is the fourth highest civilian award in the Padma series of awards, was conferred upon S. Damodaran by the central government in recognition of his distinguished service and dedication to promoting sanitation in villages and slums in South India.