“Several successful experiments of change are taking place at the individual level across different sectors of society, they must not remain confined to individuals alone. If such initiatives expand across society, they can bring about systemic transformation”, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Sah Sarkaryavah Atul Limaye at the ‘Pujaniya Shri Guruji Puraskar’ award ceremony organised by the RSS Janakalyan Samiti. Atul Limaye observed that society’s growing dependence on the government may lead to social weakening. “To reduce this dependency, it is necessary to develop a replicable framework of successful experiments that can transform society and evolve an ideal system. This task is crucial in the journey toward a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Industrialist Dr Abhay Firodia who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest remarked that many people appear to harbour prejudice against Hindutva. “The collective tradition of Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and followers of the Vedic tradition in Bharat is Hindutva. Hindu Dharma is a way of life and a philosophy and living it in practice is Hindutva”, he said. He appreciated the Janakalyan Samiti for organising and inspiring individuals committed to social empowerment. “Understanding values is Dharma. As long as the present generation adheres to moral values, Dharma will remain intact,” he added.
Awards were presented to Dada Lad in the field of research and to Acharya Shri Mahant Bharatbhushan Dasji Maharaj for social awareness. The award comprised a shawl, citation, memento, and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Acharya Shri Mahant Bharatbhushan Dasji Maharaj said that the Sanatan tradition teaches the art of living. “To make society prosperous, practical initiatives must go hand in hand with efforts for spiritual peace. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh cannot be evaluated from outside; one must participate directly in the Sangh to understand it”, he stated.
Dada Lad addressed misconceptions linking cotton cultivation to farmers’ suicides in Vidarbha. He said cotton is not a crop of despair but of pride. “Unfortunately, the suicides in Vidarbha were associated with cotton farming. In reality, cotton is a major cash crop of Bharat that has clothed the world. To enhance productivity, it is essential to increase the weight of cotton bolls. I developed a technique of removing the stalk and extending the ‘fruiting branch.’ As a result, the weight of cotton bolls increased up to 10 grams, and per-acre yield rose from 4–5 quintals to 15 quintals”, he explained.
Students of the Purvanchal Hostel in Chinchwad presented Vande Mataram on the occasion. Pradeep Sabnis, Secretary of Seva Bharati, West Maharashtra Prant, delivered the vote of thanks. Appreciating the work of Janakalyan Samiti in promoting and supporting welfare initiatives, Dr Abhay Firodia described it as a significant instrument of social upliftment. On the occasion, he announced a donation of Rs 1 crore toward its activities.
