Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi honoured senior CPI leader R Nallakannu with the 'Ambedkar Award' in recognition of his "outstanding contributions" to the welfare of Dalits.

The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a gold medal, was given at a function here on Wednesday on the birth anniversary of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar.

The 'Thiruvalluvar award' went to Tamil scholar and saint 'Kunrakudi' Ponnambala Adigalar.

Poet Kavithaipithan was given the Periyar Award, Anna award was given to orator Saratha Nambi Aaruran, Kamaraj award to former MLA A R Marimuthu, Bharathi award to poet Soundra Kailasam, Bharatidasan award to Tiruchi M S Venkatachalam, Thiru Vi Ka award to Tamil scholar T Periyandavan and K A P Viswanatham award to poet Velavendan.