Padma Shri Awardee S Damodaran Sells Vegetables for His Poll Campaign

Padma Shri awardee S Damodaran, age 62, is an independent candidate from Tiruchirappalli, contesting in the election under the gas stove symbol. He has been actively seeking votes at the Gandhi Market and engaging with people and vegetable vendors to present his platform. Mr. Damodaran, who hails from Tiruchirappalli, spoke of his extensive career in the sanitation sector. He emphasized that he has been serving as an Associate Service volunteer for over 40 years and began his career at the age of 21.

At 60, he received the Padma Shri award for his outstanding contributions to the sanitation sector, awarded by then President of India Ram Nath Kovind. Highlighting his involvement in rural and urban areas, Mr. Damodaran mentioned his dedication to providing access to water and sanitation facilities and his service during the tenure of nine prime ministers. He expressed his enthusiasm for the warm reception he has received during his campaign. Discussing the key projects he intends to advocate for in Tiruchirappalli, Mr. Damodaran stressed the need to work towards making the city a clean and green environment.

He also addressed the demand for a Ring Road and the necessity for flyovers at strategic locations in Trichy City. The central government recognized Mr. Damodaran’s exceptional service in social work by conferring upon him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the Padma series of awards. This acknowledgment was a result of his dedication to promoting sanitation in villages and urban slums across South India.