Asia Today proudly hosted the Pride of Nation Award 2024 at the esteemed Hotel Taj Deccan, Hyderabad, on December 21, 2024. The event brought together distinguished leaders, innovators, and changemakers from various sectors to honor individuals whose exceptional contributions have positively influenced industries and communities.
The grand ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including:
- Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana
- K. Laxman, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
- Shri Etela Rajender, Member of Parliament (Malkajgiri Lok Sabha)
- Shri Madhavaneni Raghunandan Rao, Member of Parliament (Medak Lok Sabha)
The Pride of Nation Award highlights excellence across fields such as Art & Entertainment, Healthcare, Education, Business, and Social Work. Among the evening’s honorees was Karthik Raja Karnan, CEO of MADique Technologies, who received the prestigious Most Admired Personality Award for his remarkable contributions to food automation and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Leading with Innovation and Empowerment
Karthik Raja Karnan’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global innovator reflects his steadfast commitment to driving technological advancements while fostering inclusive growth. As the founder and CEO of MADique Technologies, Karthik has reshaped the food processing sector by developing cutting-edge, affordable machinery that supports small entrepreneurs, homemakers, and differently-abled individuals.
From operating out of a modest car shed in Salem, Tamil Nadu, Karthik has propelled MADique Technologies to international recognition, exporting products to more than 30 countries. His flagship innovations, including the world’s smallest automatic idiyappam-making machine, have empowered over 3,000 entrepreneurs by lowering entry barriers to the food automation industry.
Building an Inclusive Future
Under Karthik’s leadership, MADique Technologies has championed social responsibility and inclusivity, reinforcing the belief that business success must be shared with the wider community.
Key initiatives include:
- Support for Differently-Abled Entrepreneurs and Veterans
MADique Technologies offers a 10% discount to differently-abled individuals and ex-servicemen, recognizing their service and resilience while easing their path to entrepreneurship. - Fostering Education and Inspiration
Each MADique Technologies customer receives a copy of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s biography, reflecting Karthik’s deep admiration for the former President’s legacy of education, perseverance, and national development. - Environmental Conservation
To promote sustainability, MADique Technologies distributes seed balls with every purchase, encouraging reforestation and contributing to a greener environment.
Words of Encouragement from Distinguished Leaders
During the awards ceremony, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana, lauded the winners, stating, “The relentless pursuit of excellence by each awardee not only elevates their personal success but also inspires the growth and progress of the nation. Their dedication reflects the essence of Swami Vivekananda’s words – ‘Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.’”
Pride of Nation: Inspiring the Next Generation
The Pride of Nation Award was conceived to celebrate and highlight the achievements of trailblazers within the Indian community. P.K. Choudhary, President of Asia Today, emphasized the significance of such recognition. “These awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and motivate individuals who have excelled in their fields and continue to set inspiring examples for others,” he said.
Karthik Raja Karnan’s recognition not only underscores his personal accomplishments but also serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs. His ability to blend innovation with community upliftment exemplifies the transformative potential of socially conscious business practices.
Looking to the Future
Karthik Raja Karnan’s contributions continue to make waves in the food automation industry, promoting inclusive growth and empowering thousands of small entrepreneurs globally. With ongoing plans to expand MADique Technologies’ product line and deepen community engagement, Karthik remains committed to fostering positive change and sustainable development.
For more information about MADique Technologies and its initiatives, visit www.madique.com.