Chennai, 30th September 2025: The sixth edition of SharonPly’s annual ‘I AM STRONGEST’ Awards, themed on ‘Voices that stood behind the nation’s recent glory’, honoured retired senior army officials-turned defence analysts, whose commentaries on Operation Sindoor not only guided policymakers and the public but also provided valuable insights to defence personnel in their operations.
Instituted by SharonPly, a leading plywood brand and owner of India’s largest plywood manufacturing plant in Gummidipoondi near Chennai, the ‘I AM Strongest 2025’ Awards honoured Lt. Gen. S. Harimohan Iyer, AVSM** (Retd.); Lt. Gen. Dushyant Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.); Lt. Gen. P. R. Shankar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.); and Maj. Gen. Rajiv Narayanan, AVSM, VSM (Retd.). Having served the nation in senior military and research roles, they now continue to contribute as distinguished defence analysts.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Vishnu Khemani, Founder & Managing Director, SharonPly, said, “Strength doesn’t always wear an active uniform. Sometimes, it speaks through analysis, wisdom, and quiet conviction — guiding a nation not from the frontlines, but from the forum. These veterans didn’t retire — they redefined service. While the world applauds our soldiers, we chose to honour those whose words fortified minds, guided policy, and united citizens. They are the unseen architects of our national confidence.”
On #iamstrongest award, he said, “This initiative, launched in 2019, is our tribute to stories of strength, resilience, and determination. Its highlight is the annual awards ceremony, which honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society. It is vital to celebrate the human mind—generous, kind, gracious, and strong. Through this initiative, we bring forward stories of grit and courage, empathy and selflessness, that showcase the true potential of the human spirit. As a company, we remain deeply committed to this vision and will continue to recognise changemakers across diverse categories in the years ahead.”
In line with its vision, the award is presented each year around a specific theme, celebrating individuals whose lives and actions embody strength and resilience. In 2019, the inaugural #iamstrongest Awards by SharonPly honoured stories of grit, courage, and selflessness. The first awardees were Ms. Malathi (wheelchair basketball player) and Ms. Logammal (social change maker through Children’s Parliament). In 2020, the awards saluted Tamil Nadu’s frontline warriors who lost their lives to COVID-19. Honourees were Dr. A. Simon Hercules, Inspector Balamurali, and Nurse Joan Mary Priscilla.
In 2021, the awards recognised everyday heroes of the pandemic’s second wave. Awardees included Mr. Muthupandi (fruit vendor, Thoothukudi), Mr. Chandrasekhar and Mrs. Pushparani (Trichy couple offering rice at ₹5), Mr. Arun Kumar (No Food Waste, Chennai), and Mr. Kalyanasundaram (street food seller). In 2022, the awards celebrated champions of animal welfare. Honourees were Ms. Anjali Sharma, Mr. Sekar (Birdman of Chennai), Ms. Prabha Venugopal, Mr. Shravan Kumar, and The Elephant Whisperers – Mr. Bomman and Mrs. Bellie.
In 2024, the awards highlighted Tamil Nadu’s Olympic hockey legends. The awardees were Mr. Vasudevan Baskaran, Mr. Charles Cornelius, Mr. Muneer Sait, Mr. Victor John Philips, and Mr. Krishnamurthy Perumal.
SharonPly, established in 1987, is among India’s most trusted names in plywood, decorative veneers, and allied products. Backed by ISO 9002 and ISO 14001 certifications, the company is known for its consistent focus on quality, product innovation, and eco-friendly practices. Extending its ethos of resilience and excellence beyond business, SharonPly has instituted the #iamstrongest Awards to honour individuals who exemplify strength of character and inspire society.