The founder and chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), G. Viswanathan, was honoured with the Highly Noble Person award by the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) at a function held at Raleigh in North Carolina, United States, recently.

According to a press release, Mr. Viswanathan was awarded for his visionary leadership in founding VIT University and shaping world-class higher education in India. The citation also mentioned his contribution to education, politics and societal development.

Around 38 years ago, the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) was established. FeTNA integrates 70 Tamil sangams in North America and promotes Tamil language, culture, literature, trade and development. Every year, FeTNA organises an annual conference and presents awards to distinguished Tamils for their achievement in education, cinema and literature.

On the occasion, G.V. Selvam, vice-president, VIT, was present, the release said.