The annual Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards in its 15th edition that concluded in the last week of April, has introduced the 'Kalaimagan Award' in recognition of social activism.

Actor Soundara Rajan, who is known for appearances in Sundarapandiyan (2012), Jigarthanda (2014), Theri (2016), Kadaikutty Singam (2018), Bigil (2019) and Pathu Thala (2023), has been felicitated with this award for his social services and activism promoting organic farming.

The actor has contributed to the cause through his 'Mannukkum Makkalukkum' organisation for the past 10 years. As a part of this cause, he launched the Mannukkum Makkalukkum Nammalvar Award, named after G Nammalvar, an agricultural scientist and a green crusader of Tamil Nadu.

Receiving the award, Soundara Raja said, "I love the environment and agriculture since I hail from an agricultural family. I have been working to conserve our environment for around a decade. I have planted over 40,000 saplings since then. I have been in films too since then and had received a few awards. But nothing feels special like this one. This 'Kalaimagan' award will provide the impetus to take my initiative forward."