M. B. Nirmal

M. B. Nirmal
Born	October 10, 1943 Kunrathur, Tamil Nadu
Nationality	Indian
Alma mater	Government High School, Kunrathur, Pachaiyappa's College, Chetpet, Madras Law College
Occupation	Social activist
Known for	Environmental management[1]
Website	M. B. Nirmal

M. B. Nirmal is the founder and chairman of Exnora International which is a civic movement in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, which deals with environmental issues.^[2][3][4] In addition to his involvement in Exnora, Nirmal is also involved in consumer advocacy, afforestation programmes, and rehabilitation of convicts among others.^[5]

Early life

Nirmal did his schooling in Government Higher secondary school Kundrathur and obtained his graduation from Pachiappa’s college Chetpet, Chennai. He obtained his degree in Law from Madras Law College.

One Hut - One Light

“One Hut - One Light” scheme in Sogandi village in 1978.

"One Hut One Light" scheme was introduced for the first time in India in the Sogandi village in 1978 by Indian Overseas Bank in Chengalpet for which M. B. Nirmal was the manager. Hon’le Minister Panruti S. Ramachandran is seen inaugurating, with Nirmal seated in the back.

Author/Writer

He is author of twelve books in Tamil and six books in English written for individual and societal development. He has been writing in leading Magazines and periodicals regularly.

Awards and recognition

Awards

M. B. Nirmal is honoured with Tamil Ratna Award by 40-year-old New York Tamil sangam, a founder member of the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America.

1. Innovator Recognition, Fellowship and Monetary Assistance from ASHOKA- Innovators for Public, USA (1990).
2. Best Bank Manager Award IOB, 1978.
3. Indira Gandhi Memorial National Award for Excellent Bank Manager of India (1989).
4. Best IOB Branch Award during IOB Golden Jubilee celebrations presented to him by Finance Minister Mr. V P Singh. Founder's Day Award of IOB presented by RBI Governor (1996).
5. For the Sake of Honour Award of the Rotary International (1995).
6. Melvin Jones Award of Lions Club (1994).
7. Example to Youth Award by District Rotract Council (1997).
8. Best Practices of the World Award for Exnora International by UNCHS (Habitat), Turkey (1996).
9. Excellence Award for 1998, on behalf of Tamil Nadu Foundation, INC. USA, the Chapters of Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America, FETNA at St. Louis, USA (1998).
10. Dr.V.V.Giri Birth Centenary Award presented by Governor of Tamil Nadu for contribution to protect environment.

Recognition

1. Reader's Digest, the largest circulated magazine of the world in its "Heroes for Today" section lauded Dr.M.B.Nirmal and described him as a Peerless Leader who has a remarkable ability to inspire people to work together (Mar, 1999).
2. New India Times again wrote 'Many call him a visionary. Most regard him as a Motivator. He has proved that motivation can move mountains and people too. He is always pregnant with ideas' (8.10.1999).
3. The Inner Wheel Club of Rotary International featured him as one of the eight 'Pathfinders' of India, along with Mother Terasa, Mr.Sunderlal Bahuguna, Dr.Verghese Kurien Dr.M.S.Swaminathan, in their book "Path Finders".
4. Rotary News, published by Rotary International commended, "Dr.M.B.Nirmal is full of new ideas and suggestions", (April 1999).
5. New India Times (USA) wrote, 'Dr.M.B.Nirmal's speech at FETNA Conference, Missouri was electrifying' (7.8.98).
6. The Hindu, the National daily covered him under Personality Column and described him as a Catalyst of Social change and wrote, "Dr.M.B.Nirmal's Optimism is infectious" (2.6.1997)
7. Indian Express, the National daily regarded him as one of the six crusaders who will change India (25.1.1996)
8. The Hindu recognized him as an Outstanding Achiever in their feature 'Achievers' (10.02.1996)
9. India Today, the national weekly chose him as "one of the Ten Angels of Change" who are transforming India (Cover Story, 15.01.1995),
10. Gentleman (Indian Express) selected him as One of the Ten Leading Gentlemen of Chennai and wrote, "Dr.M.B.Nirmal is a walking example of positive thinking. (August 1995).
11. Trinity Mirror, the daily honoured him as an Outstanding Environmentalist for 1995 (31.12.1995) and an outstanding Environmentalist of the century (23.12.2000) and described him as a legend.

References

1. "M.B. Nirmal". Ashoka Foundation. Retrieved 24 November 2009.
2. "Community Participation for Clean Surroundings - EXNORA India". UNESCO. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
3. "Exnora award for Bhilai Steel Plant chief". The Hindu. January 22, 2008. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
4. "ExNoRa International (EI)". The World Bank Group. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
5. "Champion of many a cause". Business Standard. October 27, 2003. Retrieved 22 November 2009.

External links

• M. B. Nirmal's Bio on Exnora's Website