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The Manappuram VPN IBE Awards 2025 illuminated Kochi’s Gokulam Convention Centre on September 23 with a star-studded ceremony celebrating a decade of honouring excellence. Established in 2015 by Dr. Ajit Ravi in gratitude to his mentor V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman & MD of Manappuram Finance Ltd., the award debuted in Sri Lanka and has since become a distinguished symbol of recognition.

The 2025 edition brought together leaders from varied fields, with the awards presented by V. P. Nandakumar; and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus.

Among the evening’s distinguished honourees were:

  • Dr. K. Paul Thomas, MD & CEO of ESAF Group of Social Enterprises – Beacon of Inclusive Banking Excellence Award.
  • S.K. Abdulla, MD of Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre Ltd. – Exemplary Leader in Healthcare and Philanthropy Award.
  • Dr. Varghese Kurian, Group Chairman & MD of VKL Group – Business Luminary in Real Estate, Hospitality, and Philanthropy Award.
  • Dr. Gokulam Gopalan, veteran film producer and media leader – Lifetime Achievement Award in Indian Cinema.

The evening, hosted by Dr. Ajit Ravi, concluded with standing ovations for the honourees. With glamour, inspiration, and heartfelt tributes, the VPN IBE Awards 2025 reinforced its legacy as a platform spotlighting visionaries shaping industries and society at large.

Pic Courtesy: pegasus photography/ images are subject to copyright

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13th Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award was presented to Dr Varghese Kurian, Chairman of VKL Holdings and Al Namal Group.

In a grand ceremony held at the Le Meridian Hotel in Kochi on January 16th the award was presented by Industries Minister Shri P Rajeev. Mr V P Nandakumar, Managing Director and CEO of Manappuram Finance Limited and Dr Ajit Ravi, graced the occasion. The event was attended by past award winners and industry leaders. The winner will have the opportunity to enter the world’s richest club, the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF). On the occasion, Minister P Rajeev also launched the logo of the Federal International Chamber Forum. The FICF club will be comprised of Malayali businessmen with assets over 1000 crore and a commitment to social responsibility.

Dr Varghese Kurian is the group chairman and managing director of VKL Holdings and Al Namal Group of companies. The group’s businesses include real estate, property development and management, construction, health, and hospitality. Since 1990, he has been actively involved in real estate development. Being a prosperous businessman, he embodies humanity who, although having amassed a sizable empire, he makes sure to constantly uphold his obligation in striving to benefit society in addition to his economic objectives. He has received Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2014 by the Government of India.

Shri V P Nandakumar, Shri Joy Alukas, M A Yusuf Ali, Shri T S Kalyanaraman, Shri P. N. C. Menon, Mr Gokulam Gopalan, Dr Ravi Pillai, Mr M P Ramachandran, Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Sabu M Jacob, Dr Viju Jacob and Dr A V Anoop are previous award winners.

Picture Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/images are subject to copyright