India's Defence Minister Mr. A K Antony was awarded the Asianet Malayali 2007 award at a glittering function at Kanakkunnu Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram. Asianet, the pioneer in Malayalam television had earlier conducted an extensive SMS poll where eminent Keralities from all walks of life were included. Mr. A K Antony emerged as the winner from a distinguished list of Malayalees by achieving 24 percent of the votes polled. Noted Malayalam actor Prithviraj came second. Mr. A K Antony received the award from Kerala Chief Minister Mr V S Achuthanandan, who had bagged the honour last year.

The function was chaired by Asianet chairman Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Vice chairman and Managing Director Mr. K Madhavan. In his address to the gathering Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar urged the political parties to work together for a common economic agenda which can act as a catalyst for state's growth.

In connection with the presentation of the Malayali-2007 award a seminar on 'Kerala: Challenges and Possibilities' was also hosted by Asianet. Eminent personalities of Kerala participated in the debate. The list included Finance minister Dr. Thomas Issac, Mr. K M Mani, MLA, Mahathma Gandhi University Vice-chancellor Ms.Jancy James, Veteran journalist Mr. T J S George and former Kerala Chief secretary Dr Babu Paul. The debate was moderated by Mr. K P Mohanan, Editor, Asianet News.