An Upcoming National Event Celebrating Excellence and Community Leadership

Honoring Legacy, Recognizing Excellence, and Inspiring National Service

The renowned Mangalam Publications will mark its 56th anniversary with a grand celebration on July 30, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. The event is set to be a remarkable occasion that will bring together eminent leaders, cultural icons, community representatives, and members of the media to celebrate the legacy and continued impact of Mangalam’s journey in Indian publishing.

The evening will feature the presentation of the Mangalam National Excellence Awards, the M.C. Varghese Memorial Lecture, and addresses by key national figures.

Mangalam National Excellence Awards 2025

Honoring Transformative Leaders and Changemakers

One of the highlights of the evening will be the conferring of the Mangalam National Excellence Awards—an honor bestowed upon individuals whose life and work exemplify visionary leadership, societal service, and cultural contribution.

The awards will be presented by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism and Culture. Distinguished guests expected to attend include:

  • Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs
  • Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Minority Affairs
  • Prof. K.V. Thomas, Special Representative of the Government of Kerala in New Delhi

AIMA Leaders to Receive National Recognition

Gokulam Gopalan and Babu Panicker Among the Honorees

The 2025 edition of the awards will shine a spotlight on two distinguished leaders from the All India Malayalee Association (AIMA)—National President Shri Gokulam Gopalan and National Chairman Shri Babu Panicker—for their exemplary contributions to community building, philanthropy, business, and national unity.

Shri Gokulam Gopalan: A Life of Enterprise and Philanthropy

Shri Gokulam Gopalan, the dynamic Chairman of Sree Gokulam Group, will be recognized for his vast achievements across multiple domains. From starting a modest chit fund operation in Chennai, he has built an empire that includes:

  • Over 480 branches across India
  • A presence in finance, education, hospitality, healthcare, entertainment, and sports
  • Ownership of Flowers TV, 24 News, and Sree Gokulam Movies
  • Establishment of Gokulam Kerala Football Club, one of India’s leading I-League teams

His movie production house has produced celebrated films like Pazhassi Raja, Kammarasambhavam, and Pathonpatham Noottandu.

As the National President of AIMA, he will be honored for his efforts in uniting Malayalee communities across states and uplifting marginalized sections through structured community initiatives.

Shri Babu Panicker: Champion of Culture, Travel, and Social Development

Shri Babu Panicker, Managing Director of Panicker’s Travel, will also be honored for his multifaceted contributions in tourism, cultural preservation, and public service.

He is expected to be recognized for his leadership roles, including:

  • Chairman of AIMA
  • President, International Centre for Kathakali
  • Vice President, Nair Service Society, Delhi
  • President, Saraswathi Bal Mandir Sr. Sec. School
  • Advisory roles in Balagokulam and Delhi Malayalee Association

His long-standing service to the Malayalee diaspora, education sector, and community leadership will be spotlighted during the event.

M.C. Varghese Memorial Lecture

Remembering a Pioneer in Indian Regional Journalism

The event will also include the M.C. Varghese Memorial Lecture, paying tribute to the legendary founder of Mangalam Publications, Shri M.C. Varghese. Starting from a small monthly magazine in 1969, his vision led to one of the most circulated Malayalam-language publishing houses.

Mangalam now includes:

  • Mangalam Daily
  • Mangalam Weekly
  • Kanyaka
  • Cinema Mangalam
  • Kannada publications like Mangala and Balamangala

The memorial lecture will reflect on the role of regional media in preserving language, promoting cultural identity, and supporting democratic dialogue.

Recognizing a Diverse Group of National Contributors

Apart from the AIMA leaders, 10 additional awardees from diverse fields such as education, science, literature, public service, and entrepreneurship will be felicitated. These recognitions aim to promote role models who shape a better India through dedication, innovation, and empathy.

A Celebration of Community, Culture, and Commitment

The upcoming 56th Anniversary Celebration of Mangalam Publications promises to be more than a commemorative event—it will be a reflection of values that transcend generations. By honoring personalities like Shri Gokulam Gopalan and Shri Babu Panicker, Mangalam reinforces its commitment to recognizing those who lead with purpose, uphold cultural integrity, and foster unity.

As the evening unfolds in New Delhi on July 30th, 2025, the event will mark another milestone in celebrating the unsung heroes who strengthen India’s social and cultural fabric.