Sri Guruji Puraskar 2017 in Maharashtra

Selfless social workers are like ‘Salt on Earth’. Although it is small in quantity, its presence is essential for survival of society," said Shri Dattatreya Hosbale , the Sah-Sarkaryavah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and praised religious leader Chaitanya Maharaj Deglurkar   and Dr. HR Nagendra  for their selfless service. Both were felicitated by the prestigious ‘Shri Guruji Puraskar” by the RSS Janakalyan Samiti on 5th March at a function in Dombivli near Thane, Maharastra.

Hosbaleji said that although science and spirituality are said to be different they must flow together in national interest. Yoga and modern science should come together to empower the whole country.

The chief guest Dr. Anil Kakodkar ,  former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, felicitated the two awardees, Shri Deglurkar  and Dr. Nagendra . He paid rich tributes to Guruji and recalled his outstanding social work. He also thanked RSS for inviting him as chief guest. He lauded the efforts of the awardees to advance the social cause. He saidthat India is developing very quickly but with modernisation, people have lost peace of mind, therefore, everyone should practice yoga. Yoga is the only way through which one can get peace.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dattatreyaji recalled Shri Guruji and his hard work for the society and said that Guruji inspired all the swayamsevaks of RSS to perform yoga  and  Guruji not only inspired the people of India but also to the people abroad to follow Yoga.

He added that social workers are a very important element of our country and they help in creating an empowered society, and stressed the need for everyone to dedicate himself to the service of the nation.

Talking about Hinduism, Shri Dattatreyaji said Hindutva is a way of life as has been upheld by the Supreme Court as well. Recalling Shri Guruji’s contribution to the definition of ‘Hinduness’, he said Guruji spent all his life explaining Hindutva. It was because of his efforts that in the year 1996 all the international institutes, governing body accepted that Hinduism is not just a religion but a way of life.

Shri Dattatreya ji said Shri Guruji dedicated his whole life thinking and inspiring others to work for the development of the country and the betterment of the last person in the society. In his view, each and every man of our country had a right to happiness.

Guruji also emphasised the importance of equality and integrity. He believed that in order to empower and develop the country with the love and devotion,“equality and integrity” are the most important factors. Shri Dattatreya ji said that this belief is very important for building the nation and provides a guide to the development and the empowerment of the country.

Maharaj Deglurkar after receiving the award said that he  would like to thank all the dignitaries of RSS for honouring  him with this award. While accepting this award he  got a bit emotional.  He said that he is honoured to dedicate his life for ‘vaarkari’ people. While praising the dedication and work of Guruji Chaitanya Maharaj said that Sri Guruji is equal to Sant Dnyaneshwar He further praised RSS and said that the beliefs of Sangh at the earlier stage of his  life forced  him to think about empowering people and to love his country. He said that beliefs are very important and Guruji has given us an inspiration. Guruji  himself is a source of inspiration. He further added that this award is not for him, but for the culture that has given  him birth. He added that he  is inspired by the hard work and the beliefs of Guruji, therefore, he devoted his life to the social cause.

Accepting the award, Dr. HR Nagendra said that it is a great honour for him  to get this award. But he believes that this award is not for him but for yoga. Guruji is equal to god. Yoga not only keeps us updated with the knowledge but also answers the questions in the journey of life. . Yoga can increase memory. All the yoga institutions, medical institutions, scientists and government should come together to find out the solution of such incurable diseases which have led lakhs of people to death.

School children from North-East Bharat sang patriotic songs at the beginning of the function. They were brought for further studies by RSS from the North East. The work done by RSS till now in the field of education, medical science, poverty, agriculture across the country was also appreciated during this award ceremony.

Shri Guruji Puraskar was instituted in the memory of Shri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar better known as Shri Guruji, who was the second Sarsanghchalak of the RSS. The Janakalyan Samiti of RSS has instituted this award to felicitate prominent social activists. It is given to individuals or organisations for outstanding achievements in ten areas: viz., Service, Literature, Bravery, Agriculture, Research, Social Awareness, Sports, Arts, Religion, Culture, Women’s empowerment and Environment. It consists of a certificate of honour, a memento and Rs. 1,00,000 cash award. Two candidates working in two different areas are selected for the award each year. The award function is held in the state of Maharashtra, on Shuddha Ekadashi in the month of Magh every year.