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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 11, 2025 | The Indian Eye 26

Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. Bhadreshdas Swami

of B.A.P.S Swaminarayan Sanstha Honored with

the Prestigious Saraswati Sammana

OUR BUREAU Bhadreshdas Swami dedicated the
honor to Bhagwan Swaminarayan,
New York, NY
whose teachings inspired the Ak-
n a landmark recognition of San- shar-Purushottam Darshan, and to his
skrit scholarship and Indian phi- gurus—Pramukh Swami Maharaj and
Ilosophy, Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. Mahant Swami Maharaj—for their
Bhadreshdas Swami, Swami of the guidance and blessings. He empha-
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, has sized that this recognition reflects the
been conferred the Saraswati Sam- timeless relevance of Sanskrit and the
man 2024 for his acclaimed Sanskrit enduring vitality of India’s philosoph-
publication Swaminarayana Siddhan- ical tradition.
ta Sudha. This marks a historic occa- BAPS is a spiritual, volun-
sion as the prestigious literary award teer-driven fellowship dedicated to
returns to Sanskrit literature after improving society through individual
more than two decades. growth, by fostering values of faith, ser-
The Saraswati Samman, institut- vice, and global harmony. BAPS runs
ed in 1991 by the K.K. Birla Founda- on the dedication and commitment
tion, is one of India’s highest literary of tens of thousands of full-time and
honors. It is awarded annually to an part-time volunteers from diverse pro-
Indian citizen for an exceptional work fessional and social backgrounds who
of prose or poetry published in the contribute millions of volunteer hours
last ten years, written in any of the 22 annually. In more than 100 communi-
languages recognized in the Eighth ties in North America and 3,500 com-
Schedule of the Indian Constitution. munities worldwide, BAPS plays a piv-
The award carries a cash prize of otal role in preserving and nurturing
`15 lakhs, along with a citation and a Indian traditions and values of Hindu
plaque. Past recipients include literary culture while addressing the spiritual,
giants such as Harivansh Rai Bach- moral, and social challenges in the
chan, Mahasweta Devi, and S.L. Bhy- world. Under the guidance of His Ho-
rappa. liness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS’
The selection for this year’s award current spiritual leader, the organiza-
was made by the Saraswati Samman tion works to promote spiritual equali-
Chayan Parishad, chaired by Hon’ble the Sanskrit language. honored with numerous awards, in- ty, advocate for social reform, and em-
Justice (Retd.) Shri Arjan Kumar Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. cluding the Lifetime Achievement power marginalized voices regardless
Sikri. The distinguished jury includ- Bhadreshdas Swami is an interna- Award from the Indian Council of of their class, race, gender, or religion.
ed eminent scholars and literary ex- tionally respected Sanskrit scholar Philosophical Research (ICPR), the His Holiness Mahant Swami Ma-
perts such as Prof. Ramdeo Shukla, and thought leader in Indian philos- Vedant Martand Sanman from Sil- haraj is the sixth and current spiritual
Dr. Buddhi Nath Mishra, Dr. Kiran ophy. He holds multiple academic pakorn University, Thailand, and the successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Budkuley, Prof. Kalidas Misra, and distinctions, including an M.A., Ph.D., Mahamahopadhyaya title from Kavi- He was ordained a swami by Yogiji
Dr. Suresh Rituparna, Director of the D.Litt., and an honorary Doctor of kulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University. Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu
K.K. Birla Foundation. Science (D.Sc.) from IIT Kharagpur. He has also received the Acharya Pra- Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed
Swaminarayana Siddhanta Sud- Currently serving as the Head of the var title from the Uttar Pradesh State the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in
ha, published in 2022, is a profound BAPS Swaminarayan Research Insti- Government, and was recognized for Mumbai, he became known as Mah-
Sanskrit treatise that systematically tute, he has dedicated his life to the Excellence in Philosophy by Babasa- ant Swami. His devout, humble, and
presents the Akshar-Purushottam advancement of Sanskrit scholarship heb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, service-focused life earned him the
Darshan, the philosophical doctrine and Vedic philosophy. Lucknow. Additional accolades in- innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj
revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Dr. Bhadreshdas Swami is also clude the Darshankesari Award and and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mah-
Written in the classical vadagrantha the author of the Swaminarayan the Professor G.M. Memorial Award ant Swami Maharaj travels throughout
style, it serves as both an exposition Bhashyam, a five-volume Sanskrit from the University of Mysore, as the world inspiring people through his
and a defense of this unique Vedantic commentary on the Prasthanatrayi well as the Vedant Prakash Award insightful spiritual discourses and dis-
philosophy. The work has been laud- (Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and and Abhinav Bhashyakar Award from ciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle
ed for its clarity, depth, and accessi- Brahmasutras), which reaffirms the Shree Somnath Sanskrit University. and profound devotion to Bhagwan
bility—bridging ancient philosophical Akshar-Purushottam Darshan as an Notably, the Shri Kashi Vidvat Pari- Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals
traditions with contemporary rele- independent Vedantic tradition. His shad formally acknowledged him as toward which devotees strive. Mahant
vance. It stands as a testament to the contributions have been widely recog- an acharya in the lineage of classical Swami Maharaj became the guru and
living nature of India’s philosophical nized both in India and abroad. Sanskrit commentators. President of BAPS upon Pramukh
heritage and the expressive power of Over the years, he has been Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.

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