Coimbatore: For the nine Kovai Heroes honoured by TOI, the recognition went beyond a trophy, with several awardees and their families planning to use the prize money of Rs1 lakh to support education, healthcare and community welfare.J Deepika, wife of Joshua, said she felt proud and happy to see her husband’s service being recognised. “This is an award my husband should have received himself. It would have been even more joyful if he had been here to receive it. The prize money will be a great help towards the educational expenses of our two sons and my husband’s medical treatment,” she said.P Mahendiran, founder of Eera Nenjam, thanked TOI for organising what he described as an unforgettable and dignified event. Though he had received several awards, he considered the Kovai Heroes recognition special, calling it a crown and an acknowledgement that encouraged him to continue his work without losing heart. He said he would use the prize money to buy Diwali clothes for elderly residents of the home he runs for destitute people and sanitation workers who work there, besides meeting other expenses. He considered the amount a valuable Diwali gift.S Kanthavelan, of Aathma Charitable Trust, who received a standing ovation at the event, described the award as an overwhelming recognition of his service. He said he had never sought financial assistance for the trust and viewed the honour as a stepping stone to further progress. He pledged to use the entire prize money for social service and ensure that TOI’s contribution was acknowledged among the beneficiaries.Sakthivel Palanisamy said he would donate the prize money to Masakalipalayam Corporation Middle School, which played a key role in his journey towards the recognition. The award, he said, had brought greater responsibility along with pride.Police constable S Babu thanked TOI for creating an unforgettable moment and said receiving the award from the governor was an honour. He said he would use the prize money to help people in need of education and medical assistance, and contribute Rs25,000 to his group, Vazhvoom Vazha Vaippom.