Chairman Y.C. Deveshwar has been presented the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection-2006 by the Tamil Nadu Governor, Mr. S.S. Barnala, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Madras East. He received the award in Chennai on August 8, 2006.

Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, noted agriculture scientist and Chairman of the National Commission on Farmers, showered praise on Mr. Deveshwar for his leadership qualities, especially in the areas of technological, ecological and management upgradation. He described Mr. Deveshwar as the "Zubin Mehta" of the corporate sector for efficiently conducting and steering the company with his leadership qualities. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Barnala heaped praise on ITC's commitment and contribution to the development and regeneration of the nation's social and environmental capital. "The company's dedicated performance has ensured that all its units excel in the fields of safety, occupational health and environmental performance. It is heartening to note that the company has retained its position as a water positive corporation for the third successive year", Mr. Barnala said.

With ITC now becoming a carbon positive corporation and making significant progress towards zero solid waste, Mr. Barnala congratulated Mr. Deveshwar for his concern towards environment and for being honoured with an award instituted in the name of Prof. Swaminathan, an internationally acclaimed agriculture scientist.

Mr. Deveshwar said though he had received several national and international awards, he took greater pride in accepting this award as it was instituted in the name of Prof. Swaminathan.