Chennai: HDFC Chairman Deepak S Parekh and renowned play back singer Vani Jayaram were honoured with 'Sankara Ratna' and Dr M S Subbulakshmi awards respectively by the city-based Sankara Nethralaya here today.

The 'Sankara Ratna' award was presented to Parekh for his consistent and generous monetary support to the Nethralaya in the form of loans and personal donations from his institution, a press release from Sankara Nethralaya said here today.

Hailing Sankara Nethralaya for the contributions in the field of ophthalmology, Parekh said it had done a large number of free treatment to the poor people.

Vani Jayaram said she was humbled for being chosen to receive the Dr M S Subbulakshmi Award.

The singer said she was grateful to Sankara Nethralaya for having chosen her for the illustrious and prestigious award instituted in the name legendary artist (late) Dr M S Subbulakshmi, whom she respected.

The awards comprise of a citation and memento was presented by Larsen and Toubro Chairman A M Naik.

The awards were presented to individuals every year who have supported and contributed to Sankara Nethralaya's cause and philosophy.

Some of the earlier recipients of the award include Tata Sons Chairman Ratan N Tata, former chairman of ISRO Dr Madhavan Nair and veteran film director S P Muthuraman. (PTI)