A standing ovation echoed through the halls of Science City Auditorium on Sunday evening as tennis legend Shri Leander Paes was conferred with the prestigious 32nd P.C. Chandra Puraskaar. This annual honour, instituted by the P.C. Chandra Group, pays tribute to luminaries who have made exceptional contributions across diverse fields, and celebrates the enduring legacy of the Group’s visionary founder, Shri Purna Chandra Chandra.

This year’s award recognises the extraordinary sporting journey of Shri Paes, an Olympic medalist and 18-time Grand Slam champion, whose name is etched in global tennis history. Often hailed as the face of Indian tennis on the world stage, Paes’s career has been defined by resilience, excellence, and a never-say-die spirit—values that resonate deeply with the ethos of the Puraskaar.

A Legacy of Celebrating Excellence

Since its inception in 1993, the P.C. Chandra Puraskaar has honoured an illustrious list of national icons, including:

• Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand
• Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi
• Veteran singer Smt Asha Bhosle
• Dr. Devi Shetty
• Shri Kapil Dev
• Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
• Smt Mary Kom
• ISRO Chairman Shri S. Somanath

Carrying a tax-free honorarium of ₹20 lakhs, the Puraskaar stands as one of the country’s most respected civilian recognitions, awarded annually on Shri Purna Chandra Chandra’s birth anniversary.

A Night of Pride & Reflection

Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Uday Kumar Chandra, Managing Director of P.C. Chandra Jewellers, remarked,

“It is our privilege to honour Shri Leander Paes for his unmatched contributions to sport. The P.C. Chandra Puraskaar is a tribute to those who inspire greatness, and this evening stands as a reflection of our founding values.”

The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Swami Suvirananda of Ramakrishna Mission as Chief Guest, alongside dignitaries including Shri Arun Kumar Chandra (Managing Director, P.C. Chandra Group), Mr. Abhijit Laha (Director, Chandra’s Green Projects Ltd.), senior executives, media, long-standing customers, and members of the cultural and business communities.

Leander’s Words of Gratitude

In an emotional acceptance speech, Shri Paes reflected on his journey:

“To be recognised in a city that has shaped my roots, and by a group whose values echo my own, is truly humbling. This honour belongs to every Indian who dares to dream and perseveres to achieve.”

Beyond the glitz of the evening, the P.C. Chandra Puraskaar continues to symbolise something deeper—a cultural commitment to excellence, character, and community upliftment. As the P.C. Chandra Group grows across sectors, this award remains a beacon of its foundational values: humility, excellence, and social responsibility.

As Leander Paes walked off the stage, trophy in hand and heart full, one thing was clear: greatness isn’t just about winning—it’s about inspiring generations to come.