Tag: national

October 07: The Office of the Honorary Consul of India to Grenada honored two longtime St. George’s University faculty members—Drs. Vishnu Rao and Narasimhan Prabhakar—for their commitment to medicine and medical education.

Awardees received accolades from the Honorary Consul of India to Grenada Shadel Nyack Compton, as well as the Honorable Minister Oliver Joseph.

“An honor like this would have been unimaginable to me as a little boy growing up in India,” said Dr. Rao, who recently was appointed dean of university alumni affairs. “To end up in a beautiful country such as Grenada and have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many students and so many Grenadians is just wonderful. All the while, I have made lifelong friendships with Grenadian people and families, who are so kind and intelligent, and I thoroughly enjoy the everyday living and beauty here on the island.”

Dr. Rao has taught and mentored SGU students for more than 40 years, having joined as an assistant professor in the School of Medicine in January 1977. He is the embodiment of SGU’s commitment to student support, serving as assistant dean of students from 1977 to 1997 before assuming the role of dean of students from 1997 to April 2021. With his help, more than 300 Grenadians have earned their MDs from SGU, and thousands more have graduated from the Schools of Veterinary Medicine, Arts and Sciences, and Graduate Studies.

“You cannot measure the positive impact that Dr. Rao has had on this university, our students, and people all around the world who have indirectly benefited from the wisdom, values, and commitment to educational excellence,” said Dr. Charles Modica, Chancellor of St. George’s University. “SGU would not be where it is today without Dr. Rao, and I’m forever grateful for all he’s done for the island of Grenada and for our students.”

Additionally, Dr. Rao was instrumental in establishing the Orphans and Elderly Fund, which has raised more than $1.8 million to support caregiver programs throughout Grenada since 1991. He also helped build the Grenada Association of Retired Persons (GARP).

As dean of university alumni affairs, Dr. Rao is supporting the Alumni Association by staying connected with SGU’s more than 24,000 graduates. “I have greatly enjoyed speaking with our alumni, finding out how they’re doing, how they can stay involved, and how they can promote the spirit of SGU,” he said. “To end up in a beautiful country such as Grenada and have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many students and so many Grenadians is just wonderful,” he added.

The Consul also recognized Dr Narasimhan Prabhakar, a psychiatrist who has been affiliated with SGU for more than 30 years, including presently as a professor in the clinical teaching unit at Grenada General Hospital and in a clinic within SGU’s Health Services department. He also teaches SGU’s Term 5 students as a psychiatrist at Mount Gay Psychiatric Hospital and meets with patients at the Richmond Home for the Elderly. Dr. Prabhakar was honored for his contributions to mental health, psychiatry, and medicine in Grenada and sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

“I am very humbled by this honor bestowed upon me by the Consul of India,” Dr. Prabhakar said. “I am also indebted to the administration of SGU, the Ministry of Health, and the Government of Grenada for making me the person I am today. Teaching communication skills and psychiatric interviewing skills to young and enthusiastic students gives me great pleasure, as does keeping in touch with my patients in the community, which I have been involved in for 40 years. I am proud to be an Indian and an adopted Grenadian.”

October 06: Ms. Bhavini Khakhkhar receives the prestigious “Champion of Change” Awardon 30th September 2021, Thursday at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Colaba, Mumbai, organised by Interactive Forum on Indian Economy. This award honours her for her outstanding work in the field of women empowerment and women entrepreneurs.

This nationally acclaimed award is conferred annually to felicitate the courageous champions who help towards the nation-building of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ through sheer hard work and persistence.  This year, an eminent Jury headed by the former Supreme Court Chief Justice selected the Awardees and they were conferred with the awards by the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra His Excellency Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

Mrs. Bhavini Ilesh Khakhkharis is the co-founder and co-director of ‘ETHICARE’, a company famous for producing the finest skin-care products. She has been working alongside her husband, Mr. Ilesh Khakhkhar who is an entrepreneur, author, John Maxwell Team Certified Coach, trainer, & key-note Speaker. After two decades of experience in the field of cosmetology and dermatology production, she has successfully launched her own brand, ‘Lely’s’ – a company producing premium beauty and skincare products. In addition to a successful brand launch, her company ‘Lely’s’ has also been named the most promising beauty brand of 2021 and has received the ‘International Glory Awards’ and the 2021 ‘India Inspirational Women Awards’.

Ms. Bhvaini Khakhkhar is an inspiring woman who is passionate about her work and is focused on fulfilling her goals. Today, as a successful brand owner, she runs an eCommerce company named EMEGAMART, associated with more than 500 bloggers and influencers and 5 lakhs+ happy customers. Speaking about this award and her passion forwomen’s empowerment, Ms. Bhavini said that ‘Success for me is a matter of defying expectations, overcoming the odds, and creating more opportunities for women to succeed where they might not otherwise exist.’

Feeling extremely honoured for this recognition, she added that she was indeed fortunate to share this award along with notable personalities like Actress Dia Mirza, Actor Jackie Shroff, Singer Palak Muchhal, Singer Udit Narayan, Dilip Walse Patil – Home Minister  Maharashtra State, Nana Patole – President Congress Committee, Satyajit Bhattacharya – Paani Foundation, Motilal Oswal, Shantilal Muttha, Sindhu Tai Sakpal- all who have done remarkable work in various fields to promote courage, social welfare, development, and uplifting of the society, and especially women empowerment.

Leading through example, Ms. Bhvaini Khakhkhar’s team consists of an equal number of men and women, encouraging her female team members to keep their eye on their goals despite obstacles, and motivating the male team members to boost their wives, sisters, and mothers in leadership roles.She states firmly that ‘Age is just a number. It is possible for women at any age to do amazing things if they think big and take action.

Sharing her future plans, she said that they aspire to become the one-stop beauty and wellness destination that gives people access to a comprehensive range of Health, Wellness, Homecare, Skincare, Haircare, Personal Grooming, Fragrances, and Makeup products.

Bardoli (Gujarat) [india], October 06: Greenman Viral Desai’s environmental movement ‘Satyagraha Against Pollution’ started a few months ago has become a national movement. He is reaching out to hundreds of people and thousands of students through this environment campaign. Under this movement, he also celebrated Gandhi Jayanti, where he introduced the ideas of Satyagraha against Pollution to the students of the famous Swaraj Ashram in Bardoli, planted trees with them, and made them Paryavaran Senani (environmental warriors).

In the celebration held at Swaraj Ashram in Bardoli, Viral Desai presented a skit, an imaginary dialogue in heaven between Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the students, in which Gandhi and Sardar inspire a satyagraha against environmental problems and pollution. It may be mentioned that during the entire program, he also made Niranjanaben Kalarthi a Paryavaran Senani, and she proudly joined the movement of Satyagraha against Pollution. Niranjanaben is the administrator of Swaraj Ashram and a witness of Gandhi and Sardar’s satyagraha, who also got a chance to play in the lap of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Arriving in Bardoli on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Viralbhai said in a conversation with tribal daughters, “You are the proud daughter’s of the forests, and you are currently getting an education in the holy land of Sardar. Therefore, no one can be a better brand ambassador than you for our movement of ‘Satyagraha against Pollution’, which promotes tree plantation at the core. Witnessing that you become an environmental warrior on this auspicious day, even Gandhi Ji and Sardar Patel must be pleased in heaven today.’

Niranjanaben Kalarthi participated enthusiastically in the entire program and gave her best wishes and blessings to Viral Desai for honouring such a Satyagraha. She also expressed her pleasure over Viral Desai’s environmental work. At the end of the program, it was decided that in the near future, under the ‘Satyagraha against Pollution’, particular types of trees would be systematically distributed in the tribal areas of Surat, Navsari and Dangs, and thus efforts would be made to empower the women of those areas.

It is noteworthy to mention here that Viral Desai has planted more than 50,000 trees under his pledge of Azadi the Amrut Mahotsav, out of which around 17,000 trees were distributed and planted in Tree Ganesha Movement alone. Recently he also got recognized in the 72nd Van Mahotsav of the Government of Gujarat for his contribution to tree Plantation.

Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], October 5: NLP Practitioner, Life Coach, and Content Creator Vanitaa Rawat has been appointed as National Advisor of the women’s wing of the Sports Promotion Organization of India

Vanitaa’s appointment was announced during the Organization’s 4th annual general meeting at Haridwar on October 3.

Accepting the responsibility, Vanitaa spoke about the pivotal contribution of women in sports and noted the success achieved by Indian sportswomen in the Olympics and other global sports events in recent years.

“It is time women increase their representation in sports and become the torchbearers of change. Sports can be a great career option. The way forward is to promote sports culture in the country and encourage sportspersons, especially women,” said Vanitaa, adding she is looking forward to working alongside eminent personalities to promote sports.

The 4th AGM was attended by representatives of more than a dozen state units of the Organization and office bearers of the women’s wing. The board members and new appointees were felicitated by Om Prakash Jamdagni, senior BJP leader and representative of Haridwar MP.

The Sports Promotion Organization of India is a non-governmental organization that has devoted itself to promoting sports. Founded by Naman Bhardwaj, the Organization has a presence across several states and is rapidly expanding to more places.

October 05: The Durgacharitramanas Granth- audio and video versions released on 3^rd September 2021 to the public at the Agriculture Office in Bhagalpur, Bihar. “Shrimad Jagatguru Ramchandracharya Anant Shri Vibhushit Shivshakti Yoga Peethadheeshwar Sant Shiromani Paramhans Swami Aagamanad Ji Maharaj” is the book’s author. Bhajan Samrat Dr. Himanshu Mohan Mishra “Deepak” has given voice to develop this AV.

The core elements of Shri Markandeya Purana can be conveyed in simple language like Shri Ramcharitmanas, which is the primary goal of this book’s composition & AV. We hope that this book & AV will help communicate the primary messages of Durga Saptashati to the general public, protecting and preserving Sanatan Dharma in the process for simple understanding & imitation to the mass.

We look forward to the full support of our audience with regards to Shri Durgacharitramanas book & AV in reaching out to the masses through all of your social, electronic, digital, and other channels of communication. People who believe Sanatan culture can contribute to the service of Sanatan Dharma by giving it as a present to family members, and we highly expect you will join us in this sacred work and continue to be blessed by God’s grace.

Please visit the youtube channel and website for a more in-depth look at the magnificence of Swamiaagmanand Pariwar.

About the Author:

After completion of B.A, Hindi Hons, He has completed his Master degree (MA) from the University dept of Hindi, Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur.

Until 1993 he believed in social development of people and also emphasized on balance like by opting to the root of human life, i.e. Religion, Culture & Spirituality. He is also engaged in various religious talks, kirtan etc. and this process continued up to 2005.

In 2006 he established a Kali mandir in Balia Belon, Katihar. At first, in 2007, he released his spiritual talk on Srimadbhagwada Katha. He is a multi-dimensional and multifaceted figure. He is simple, readily available, cordial, thinker of equilibrium state and helping attitude by nature. He is softer even than a flower in behavior however, stronger than a rock in Sadhana and Karmyoga. Basically he is dedicated to the publicity of ancient India Sanatan Dharma. He is responsible and sincere to all the religions, followers as well. He is spending his maximum time in logical, characteristics and multi-dimensional development of all the living and non-livings of this universe (Sampurn Chara-Achar Jagat) Durgacharitmanas is his Nobel composition. He is also a main pillar of traditional Indiareligion. Sri Shiv Shakti Yogapith Trust, Kolkata, West Bengal (Reg. No. 3593/ 2011) was established for the welfare of Society and helpless people in 2011. Swami ji is the Founder and Chairman of this trust. These days’ welfare activities are going at top speed but, this trust is still in its infancy due to ignorance towards money, Spiritual thoughts and dedication of Swami ji. Followers (Bhaktas) are nurturing and developing the trust gradually. The purpose and the work of this trust is of great value. In summary the main aim of this Trust is organising spiritual function. Establishment of Matha, Mandir, Dharmashala. Goshala and Hospitals along with helping victims of natural disasters, poor people, children and women. Hence, Shiv Shakti Yogapith is developing gradually in its great aim towards society.

Link to the YouTube Channel

Website: http://swamiaagmanand.org/

New Delhi (India), October 05: The much-awaited discussion on, Data Sovereignty: The Pursuit of Supremacy was organised at Constitution Club, New Delhi. Shri Vinit Goenka, Co-author of the book and Prabhari IT & social media – BJP Delhi Pradesh shared the journey from the inception of the book to the point where it has sold more than 25,000 copies. He shared that what started as discussions, blogs, and round tables brought together seven experts together to author this very important book. Shri. A. S. Kumar, Chairman, ISRO writing the foreword for the book was an important landmark.

Congratulating the authors on achieving the milestone of selling 25,000+ copies, Shri. Baijayant (Jay) Panda, National Vice President, BJP and Former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), said, “Big Tech companies today have acquired more power than sovereign Nations. This is similar to the Standard oil company which had monopoly in world oil market and hence, the world politics.” He shared examples where countries are trying to curb power Big Tech. Four years ago, Mr. Panda had presented the first bill on data protection in parliament as a private member bill. He emphasized the need of regulating data collection and security to maintain data sovereignty. He said, “Ownership and consent for data collection should be regulated with few exceptions like national security.” He shared some steps are taken in this direction with Supreme Court judgements and new IT laws, but there is a lot more needed to be done.

The co-author, Vinit Goenka, too compared Big Tech companies with East India Company and said we are heading towards digital colonisation. “Many of this companies are content publishers but hide themselves as platforms, so they don’t have to take accountability of the content.” he said. Mr. Goenka has filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India asking for a mechanism to check fake news and instigative messages circulated via social media, especially Twitter. He advocates the need of indigenous research in the field of data management and promoting indigenous companies to manage Indian data.

Lt Gen DR D B Shekatkar (co-author) said that data security is national security. “The concern is not only personal data protection but equally important is the flow of controlling false data (fake news & fake narratives) coming into the country through social media platforms.” Lt Gen Vinod Khandare (co-author) said that this book is the reflection of his commitment towards national security. “Penning the book was an easier task, but sensitizing governments and people towards data security is a bigger challenge.” He spoke.

Shri. Bharat Panchal (co-author), Chief Risk Officer FIS global, emphasized the need of being Atmanibhar in data management and control. Lt Gen V M Patil (co-author) shared that most of the hardware products needed for data collection and storage are imported in India. “Unless we have our own companies manufacturing the hardware and trained data experts, we can never win the race.” He said.

The book discussion was followed by a panel discussion by industry experts discussing how India can leapfrog in data management. The panellists included Mr. Vinod Kumar, MD of Subex, Mr. Gaurav Tripathi, IITian and Founder Innoplexus and SuperproAi, Mr. Sai Krishna, Former NTRO, IRS, Ms. Lakshmi Madhusudan, Founder of ULBHA, Mr. Rajat Dhar, MD of Finogent.

New Delhi (India), October 05: Dr. Gaurav Grover, President – New Delhi Social Workers Association (NDSWA), on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the ‘Father of our Nation’- Mahatma Gandhi Ji and United Nations International Day of non-violence, organized a tree plantation drive in association with the Delhi Police.

Celebrating the day, 101 trees were planted to help create awareness for our environment and teach all the importance of trees and food forests.

Dr. Grover said, “We are very thankful to His Excellency Mr. Fleming Raul Duarte, the Ambassador of Paraguay in India, to become our country partner for this endeavor of ours, and we are highly grateful to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to have supported us. Tree plantation was done with the help of local MCD, RWA`s and who better to include than students themselves from various schools of their environment clubs. We need to share the advantages and benefits of planting trees, their effects on the environment, forest and climate change in India and worldwide. As a matter of fact, this year’s theme for world environment day was also ecosystem restoration, and one of the main forms in which ecosystem restoration can take place is planting trees.”

A painting competition was also organized to create awareness about Environment, Swachh Bharat and Non-violence, and more than 70 kids participated in it. After which, the winners and participants were all given prizes and certificates of appreciation. The kids and elders present were treated to Ice cream for their tree planting efforts.

To boost the morale of the students, Palka Grover, Chairperson – NDSWA, Fashion Designer Rina Dhaka, H.E. Fleming Duarte, Ambassador of Paraguay to India, BJP leaders – Vijay Jolly and Anil Sharma, Dr. Udit Raj – Ex. Member of Parliament, Celebrity Influencers – Mia Lakra and Shiwali Bhola were present, among others.

Dr. Grover said, “it’s imperative that we conserve trees so that our lives aren’t adversely affected. So, let’s plant a tree today for a better life tomorrow.”

October 05: Interview

Q: Tell us something about your family and early life?

A: I come from a business family, and I lived my life happily before I joined NCP. I was living as an industrialist. I am from a very well to do family and a very cultured family. But after I joined NCP, I learnt the importance of social work.

Q: What inspired you to join Politics, especially NCP?

A: During my college days, I have seen Sharad Pawar working for people at the age of 75. I was inspired by his work ethic and energy. The fact that a 75-year-old man stands and works for the poor people and farmers against such a Hitler regime is a matter of inspiration for young people like us, and it is not appropriate for young men like us to stay at home. Also, I started taking an interest in social welfare and current affairs, which are the main basics of politics.

Q: How did your journey with NCP start, and what ideology do you passionately follow?

A: So, I joined the NCP in 2017 and started my work as the Chief Spokesperson of Nagpur City and have also worked in NCP Unit. I believe in working opposite to the ideology of RSS and Bharatiya Janata Party as my perspectives are different. I started having firm opinions opposing the RSS ideology through various press conferences held from the stronghold of RSS in Nagpur. We are sure that the ideology and work of Hon’ble Sharad Pawar can save the country in the coming years when our country is lagging behind due to unemployment and a declining economy. We want Hon’ble Sharad Pawar to be the Prime Minister of the country in 2024. As a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) activist, I will sacrifice my life to make Hon’ble Sharad Pawar the Prime Minister of the country because today, the leadership of Sharad Pawar can save the country.

Q: Did you face any kind of difficulties during this journey?

A: Yes, I did face a little bit of injustice happening with me, and my party due to some leaders has happened to me, but I know that Hon’ble Sharad Pawar, Mr. Jayant Patil, Mr. Ajit dada Pawar will help me out, hoping they are listening to my voice and they will help youngsters like me to come out for the country.

Q: What do you think should be looked forward to on bringing development?

A: I feel looking into the matters of Unemployment by creating various job opportunities for people will solve a major crisis in the country. Apart from that, education is the most important tool today that can help society and people to proper mentality and economically. I also strongly believe in good infrastructural development and development towards the farming sector because food is something every one of us needs and is the most significant underdeveloped sector of our country today. A lot of Rural as well as Tribal development is needed too. Though on the base level, Hon’ble Sharad Pawar is working for communal harmony and the welfare of society.

Q: Throw a light towards Maharashtra political crisis like Kirit Somaiya opposing the MVA government?

A: MVA and NCP are working in an outstanding manner; there are no such political crisis happening. Other than that talking about Kirit Somaiya opposing us, all such news is false and baseless allegations.

Q: What are your views about a developed Maharathra and nation and working of NCP and Maha Vikas Aghadi?

A: In my belief I see future development of the country following the ideology of Hon’ble Sharad Pawar as I see the changes in the present time itself. NCP is working for the benefit of the country and Maharashtra. Hon’ble Sharad Pawar has always sacrificed his life for the welfare of the poor and farmers. the Nationalist Congress Party opposes Hitler’s laws imposed on the farmers by the Central Government and the Maha Vikas Aghadi has come to power in Maharashtra due to Hon’ble Sharad Pawar and the Maha Vikas Aghadi has come to be known as the helper of the poor by providing them various beneficiaries. Hon’ble Mr. Sharad Pawar is working for communal harmony and welfare of the society.

Dr Wazir Fahad Jan

October 02: Brighter Kashmir has always encouraged objective journalism, not only when reporting events and incidents are concerned but also in articles written by our esteemed contributors to ensure that the views and opinions are based on cogent assessment of ground realities, not on mere speculation.

On August 31, 2021, an article titled ‘Afghanistan: The Plot Thickens’, appeared in Brighter Kashmir, in which the author had questioned the veracity of Washington’s claim that it had destroyed an explosive-laden car driven by a suicide bomber that was on its way to target US troops at Kabul airport on August 29.

While we appreciated the author’s viewpoint as it had was supported by logical deductions, but in the meantime, US officials had clarified that a “secondary explosion” that rocked the car after it was hit, was irrefutable evidence that it was carrying explosive material. Faced with the official US report emanating from ‘ground zero’ and the author’s deductions to the contrary [which were based on media reports], Brighter Kashmir’s Editorial Board decided to omit this aspect as it appeared to be mere conjecture.

Washington has now officially admitted that the car destroyed in the August 29 drone attack wasn’t laden with explosives and that it was most likely that a propane tank in the driveway had caused the “secondary explosion”. Therefore, while accepting having made an error in judgment for editing the article and also consider it our moral responsibility to publish the portion of the article that we had deleted. The same is reproduced below:

“Just the other day, Washington announced that it had carried out drone strike that thwarted an ISIL-K car bomb suicide attack on US troops at Kabul airport and Taliban too has confirmed that the US had targeted an explosive-laden ISIL-K car before it could reach its target. However, even though this pre-emptive action is commendable as it saved many lives, visuals of the alleged explosive-laden car do create some doubts in one’s mind. While the targeted car bears all hallmark signs of having being struck by an explosive projectile that damaged its rear, blew out its window screens and set it ablaze, what is baffling is that the car body is otherwise largely intact. I’m no forensic expert but on applying basic knowledge of ‘terminal ballistics’ [a sub-field of ballistics that refers to the behaviour and effects of a projectile when it hits and transfers its energy to a target] that I acquired during military service, Pentagon’s claim doesn’t sound very convincing.

If the car was indeed packed with explosives, as alleged, then it would have already been wired to explode when the suicide bomber activated the detonator. Hence, once the rocket fired at the car exploded on hitting the target, it would have triggered-off the explosives inside the car due to what is referred to as ‘sympathetic detonation’. This in turn would have sent the thousands of pellets or shrapnel packed in the vehicle [for inflicting maximum casualties on US soldiers] flying in all directions, which would have left the car body in shreds. However, the relatively unscathed condition of the car carcass clearly indicates that the only damage to it came from an external projectile that exploded and caused a fire.”

Thanking our readers and contributors once for their valued association with and faith Brighter Kashmir.

Writer is a Doctor by profession. He contributes to several portals both at National and International level.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 1: Mumbai’s Hotel Taj Mahal Palace witnessed the ‘Champions of Change Maharashtra’ award ceremony on 30^th September 2021. Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Sh Bhagat Singh Koshyari was the Chief Guest of the award ceremony while Dr Ved Pratap Vaidik (Veteran Journalist) presided over the ceremony. The awardees included Home Minister of Maharashtra Dilip Walse Patil, Nana Patole (former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Maharashtra), Social activist Sindhutai Sapkal, Sarpanch of Hiware Bazar Popatrao Pawar, Bollywood actors Jackie Shroff & Dia Mirza and several others who made valuable contributions towards the social welfare.

Chief Guest Sh Bhagat Singh Koshiyari offered his greeting to the jury members of the award ceremony and all the dignitaries present during the function, including Dr Ved Pratap Vaidik. He also thanked Mr Nandan Jha and his organization’s – Power Corridors and Panchayati Times for organizing such a prestigious event. “Last time when I felicitated the awardees from across the country for the highly coveted Champions of Change National Awards held in Goa, it was a memorable experience to honor many other great personalities who brought about change like Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant himself, Union Minister Shripad Naik and Sonu Nigam. Although all the work of change is commendable, whether it is done by a top political figure or by the emerging youth power, all the work done is a testament of the development in Maharashtra”, he said. Senior Journalist Dr Ved Pratap Vaidik heaped high praises on the Chief Guest BS Koshiyari for his achievements and genuine regard for the award ceremony. He also congratulated Mr Nandan Jha for initiating such a platform for honouring the heroes of the society who have served the country in their respective fields. He said that there couldn’t be a better feeling than being recognized for all your efforts towards society.

Nandan Jha, Founder and head of the ‘Champions of Change Award’, thanked the Chief Guest Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari for gracing the event. Mr Jha also shared his experience of the previous ‘Champions of Change Award’ in Goa, where also Sh Koshiyari was the chief guest of the event. He also stressed the importance of honouring and motivating society’s champions for the growth of the country. He also expressed his delight to be honouring such esteemed personalities of the state of Maharashtra. Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra sent her message through a video and said she felt it was a matter of great pride to be a part of this auspicious event called ‘Champions of Change, Maharashtra’. “It is a state recognition award which honours the individuals who imbibe the values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was the first medieval Indian ‘Champion of Change’ from the soil of Maharashtra. I want to congratulate all the winners for their efforts and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours. Keep working and motivating others”, she added. Home Minister of Maharashtra Dilip Walse Patil said he felt really proud to be awarded the Champions of Change award and thanked the jury for recognizing his social initiatives. “I am feeling proud to be honoured with this prestigious award and thank the jury who recognized the social initiatives taken by me. I am also thankful to the people of Maharashtra who have shown faith in me. ‘Champions of Change’ is a great platform to honour the true champions of society.  I also want to thank Mr Jha and his team for honouring me with this award. This award is a source of inspiration to me. I think anyone with their great determination can bring a positive change in the society”, he said. Social activist Nana Patole thanked BS Koshiyari and Dr Vaidik for conferring him with the award. He also said that he felt privileged to be one of the champions of change this year. Social reformer Sindhutai Sapkal, who was unwell and couldn’t attend the ceremony, sent a video message thanking the jury members and the chief guest for honouring her with the award and sent her best wishes to the organization for its future endeavours.

‘Champions of Change, Maharashtra’ is a very prestigious Maharashtra state recognition award for promoting Chhatrapati Shivaji’s values of courage, community service and inclusive social development. It is yet another Interactive Forum on Indian Economy initiative, which annually organizes Champions of Change Award Internationally, Nationally and at the State-Level in India.