Swami Samvit Somgiri Maharaj of Bikaner received the 23rd Vivekananda Sewa Samman in Kolkata on January 11. The Samman comprises of a cheque of Rs 51,000, a shawl, a citation and a memento. Noted Hindi writer Dr Narendra Kohli was the chief guest. Dr Vijay Bahadur Singh, director of Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad, presided over the function and presented the award. The award was presented by Shree Burrabazar Kumarsabha Pustakalaya.
Receiving the award, Swami Smvit Somgiri who has started a shooting range in Bikaner, said the ideals of Vivekananda are relevant at the time when the values of life are being hit and the nation has almost forgot its glorious history. He said the greatness of Indian culture, which Swami Vivekanada introduced to the West, need to be identified and followed in practical life. He said at the time when the West is directionless we are becoming directionless by blindly following the West. Dr Narednra Kohli said Vivekananda was not against gaining new knowledge but he was firm not to leave the ancient knowledge. Dr Vijay Bahadur Singh stressed the need to follow the ideals of Vivekanada in day-to-day life.
(FOC)
