Media Release

Udupi, Dec 5: Archana Jaivittal M J from Manipal was conferred the National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2015 under the category, ‘Role Model Awards’. Union finance minister Arun Jaitley presented the award to her at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on Thursday, December 3. 

Archana of Asare, a home for the specially challenged being run by Archana Trust and Manipal University, has a string of achievements to her credit and this award came as an apt reward for all her outstanding accomplishments. 

In swimming, she has won medals at international competitions. As a social worker, she keenly participates in Rotary Club Manipal Town of 3180 rotary district activities and lends a helping hand in Kasturba Medical Record Department. 

She was also awarded Karnataka Rajyotsava award in 2012 for her achievements in sports.

Archana’s best in swimming has been the two bronze medals she won for India in free style and  medley relay at the First Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games at Newcastle in Australia two years ago. 

She has been winning medals at the state and national level competitions over the last few years.

An elated Jai Vittal, Estate Officer, Manipal University said he was extremely happy that his daughter was selected for the prestigious award.