External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was awarded the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership by the South Indian Education Society (SIES).

• Jaishankar highlighted the need to gain confidence in our nation's capabilities and not succumb to the voices which state otherwise.
• He said that is what makes India a timeless reality in the changing world.
• Speaking about the contributions of Maha Periyavar to the international fora, Jaishankar highlighted Periyavar's Maithreem Bhajatham, a musical composition that promotes universal brotherhood and compassion.
• He also noted that Periyavar had connections across the world and moved on to the theme of our national significance on the global platform.