The 31st edition of the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environmental Protection was held in Chennai, where two noteworthy initiatives were honored for their contributions to environmental protection. The award, instituted by the Rotary Club of Madras East, recognizes individuals, companies, or NGOs that have made significant contributions to enhancing environmental protection and awareness. This year’s recipients were Sahaja Samrudha, a people’s movement from Mysuru, and Veerappan, an Irular fisherman from Cuddalore.

Sahaja Samrudha was recognized for its efforts in preserving India’s traditional farming practices and conserving the rich biodiversity of indigenous crop varieties. N. Devakumar, representing Sahaja Samrudha, highlighted the organization’s work in conserving traditional paddy varieties and millets. Veerappan, on the other hand, was honored for his contributions to environmental protection, particularly in the field of crab and fish propagation. He explained how his team propagated mud crabs and now trains college students in crab and fish propagation.

The event was presided over by prominent figures, including Balaji Sreenivasan, President of the Rotary Club of Madras East, and C.K. Ranganathan, Chairman and Managing Director of CavinKare. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, emphasized the importance of protecting coastal areas, which are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. She also highlighted the foundation’s recent initiative to address plastic pollution, where local volunteers cleaned 100 beaches and collected over 30,000 kg of plastic waste.

The Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award is supported by CavinKare Pvt. Ltd. and is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions to environmental protection. The award ceremony was part of the M.S. Swaminathan 100th year celebration, which aimed to promote environmental awareness and protection. The event highlighted the importance of preserving traditional farming practices, conserving biodiversity, and protecting coastal areas from the impacts of climate change. By recognizing and honoring initiatives like Sahaja Samrudha and Veerappan’s work, the award aims to inspire others to take action in protecting the environment.

The 14th edition of the ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards 2025 was held in Chennai, where three innovative ventures were honored for their groundbreaking solutions. Each winning venture received ₹1 lakh, a trophy, and a citation, as well as access to CavinKare’s industry support to help scale their innovations. The winners included Avay Biosciences, which developed a 3D bioprinting platform that eliminates the need for animal testing in preclinical drug trials. Dhanvantri Biomedical Pvt Ltd was recognized for creating the Sahayatha Wheelchair, the world’s first wheelchair with an integrated toilet, cleaning system, and water storage. Urdhvam Environmental Technologies Pvt Ltd was also awarded for its ‘Bore Charger’, a patented smart rainwater harvesting system that restores low-yielding or dry borewells without construction or maintenance.

The event was attended by notable figures, including R. Dinesh, Executive Chairman of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, and C.K. Ranganathan, Chairman and Managing Director of CavinKare. Ranganathan praised the innovators, stating that their achievements remind us that true innovation is about creating solutions that improve lives and inspire others to think differently. Lakshminarayanan Duraiswamy, President of the Madras Management Association, noted that the over 300 nominations received this year highlight the exponential growth of India’s innovation ecosystem.

The ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards were instituted in 2011 in memory of the late Shri R. ChinniKrishnan, a visionary who significantly contributed to the FMCG industry through his innovations. Since its inception, the award has recognized and celebrated 39 exemplary entrepreneurial ventures from across India. The award aims to support and encourage innovative ventures that have the potential to create a positive impact on society. This year’s winners are a testament to the growing innovation ecosystem in India, and their solutions have the potential to improve lives and transform industries. The awards ceremony was a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship, and it highlighted the importance of supporting and recognizing innovative ventures that can drive positive change.

CavinKare, a well-known Indian FMCG company, has announced the expansion of its beverage line with the introduction of two new products: orange cream biscuit milkshakes and malt milkshakes. This move is part of the company’s strategy to diversify its product portfolio and cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of Indian consumers.

The new orange cream biscuit milkshake is inspired by the popular orange cream biscuit flavor, which is a favorite among Indians. The milkshake is made with high-quality ingredients and has a creamy texture, with a sweet and tangy orange flavor. The malt milkshake, on the other hand, is a rich and creamy beverage made with malted milk powder, which gives it a unique flavor and nutritional benefits.

Both products are available in pet bottles and can be consumed as a refreshing drink or as a complement to meals. The company has priced the products competitively, with the orange cream biscuit milkshake priced at ₹20 and the malt milkshake priced at ₹25.

CavinKare’s expansion into the beverage segment is a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for packaged beverages in India. The company aims to leverage its strong distribution network and brand presence to make its beverages available across the country. The new products will be available in major retail outlets, online platforms, and through the company’s own distribution channels.

The company’s foray into the beverage segment is also expected to help it compete with other major players in the market. CavinKare has a strong brand presence in the personal care and food segments, and its entry into the beverage segment is expected to further strengthen its position in the Indian FMCG market.

Overall, CavinKare’s expansion of its beverage line is a positive move that is expected to benefit the company and its consumers. The new products are innovative, tasty, and nutritious, and are expected to appeal to a wide range of consumers. With its strong brand presence and distribution network, CavinKare is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the Indian beverage market.