Dr. PA Lalitha Memorial Social Entrepreneur Award for Woman 2021
The criteria for selection include entrepreneurial excellence, independent and innovative work, social concern, dedication, courage, and compassion in the individual's work. Young or senior first-generation women social entrepreneurs, from urban / rural Kerala, as well as NRK’s, who have carved a niche for themselves on their own merit are eligible to apply. The entries are judged by an independent jury after several levels of screening. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a citation that will be presented at a grand ceremony to be hosted in Kozhikode.
Dr Lalitha was a visionary, who positively impacted the lives of thousands of people she met. Her death in 2020 was a big loss to the hospital and society at large. Her family and Malabar hospital board members decided that the best way to pay tribute to the founder of Malabar Hospital, was to continue living her dream and work hard together to take her mission to greater heights.
Her family consists of her husband Dr.VN Moni, Urologist & Transplant surgeon, her daughter Dr. Mili Moni, Gynecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon and her granddaughter Mansi. Dr. Colin Joseph, Anesthetist, is her son-in –law.
Dr Lalitha’s contribution to society:
Dr. Lalitha started her career as a doctor in various southern districts of Kerala. With a vision to establish a
healthcare facility in North Kerala, which had few healthcare facilities then, she moved to Kozhikode in 1978.
She started with a 25-bedded maternity hospital in 1980, that is now a full-fledged, NABH certified
multispecialty hospital catering to thousands of patients in North Kerala. Dr. Lalitha was not only an
exceptionally brilliant doctor, but also proved her mettle in the invaluable contributions she made towards the
healthcare industry. Having recognized quite early the importance of women empowerment, and its significance
for the betterment of family and society, she worked untiringly for promoting women in taking up
entrepreneurial challenges. She was also the Founder Chairperson of WIMA (Women IMA)
Dr Lalitha’s efforts -teamwork, initiative, commitment and continuous improvement in hospital infrastructure
and manpower, to provide best healthcare facility for the common man – won the hospital many awards and
appreciations.
Dr Lalitha was also honoured with several awards during her lifetime - Prasad Bhooshan Award by Dr Rajendra
Prasad Foundation for outstanding performance in healthcare, Best Doctor Award by Vanitharathanam, Gem
Serve Award by Indo Arab Confederation, Lifetime Achievement Award from IMA, Punjab National Bank, Rotary
Club and WIMA. She also received the Best Woman Entrepreneur Award from Calicut Management Association,
Doctor’s Awards from Kairali TV, Best Doctors Award from the government of Kerala and Corporate Social
Responsibility Award from Kerala Management Association.
Her progressive activities did not cease even when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. She then started
actively engaging in cancer awareness campaigns and arranged motivation sessions for cancer patients to help
them fight the stigma and the disease.
This award aims at empowering women to achieve greater heights. If you think that you are eligible to apply for
the award click the “I am Applying” option or if you know anyone who could be recommended for the award
please click the button “I am nominating” , in which case a link will be shared with them in the given ID to apply
for the award.