India possesses immense traditional knowledge, yet so much unshared, unpreserved: Dr Vaidya

 

 

 

 

“India possesses an immense storehouse of traditional knowledge, yet so much of it remains unshared and unpreserved,” observed Dr Atul Vaidya, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Lakshminarayan Innovation Technology University and Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, as he addressed a spellbound audience at the Saptarshi Awards 2025. “We must digitise this heritage before it is lost, and we must bring the Gurukul system forward into the modern age without losing its essence.” His words set the tone for a ceremony that wove together ancient wisdom and contemporary brilliance, as seven eminent figures were honoured by the Hindu Research Foundation (HRF), Mumbai-Nagpur, at the Kavikulaguru Kalidas Auditorium, Persistent Systems, IT Park.

 

The Saptarshi Awards, a glittering event that celebrates modern achievers through the symbolic blessings of India’s legendary sages, opened with floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda and the chanting of the Vishva Mangal Prarthana. On stage were convenor Dr T S Bhal and dignitaries including Gagan Mehrotra, Raj Shekharan, Bhagwan Raut, Bipin Patel, and Vrushali Joshi, with Dr Vaidya as chief guest and Dr Vedprakash Mishra, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, presiding over the ceremony. The honours began with Padma Vibhushan Prof M M Sharma, recipient of the Nagarjuna Award. “My aim was always to develop people better than myself,” he reflected. “To receive this award after my students is both a pleasure and a privilege. Life is not possible without the chemical industries, and as a teacher my duty has been not only to nurture people but to keep learning the best of my industry too.”

 

Professor Sharma’s words echoed his lifelong commitment to chemistry and education, aligning seamlessly with the pioneering spirit of Nagarjuna, the sage who delved into alchemy and material sciences centuries ago. The Acharya Kanad Award was conferred upon Padma Shri Dr Ravi Grover, who has spent more than five decades in atomic research, beginning his career at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. “I am overwhelmed with the affection shown towards me after this award was announced,” he said. “The greatest lesson I have learnt is that cooperation between seniors and juniors will be the true key to progress in the future.”

 

His acknowledgement of teamwork and intergenerational learning paid tribute to Acharya Kanad, the ancient atomist who laid down the earliest theories of matter. Padma Shri Dr Prahlada Ramarao, honoured with the Acharya Bharadwaj Award, found a profound personal connection in his recognition. “Every Maharshi is linked to the recipient, and I myself belong to the lineage of Bharadwaj – a happy coincidence,” he remarked. “India had Vimanashastra a thousand years ago, yet in recent decades we were importing everything. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam always said we must be self-sufficient. Working with him taught me the importance of ensuring that our own nation provides for its own protection.” His reflections, drawing from aerospace research and defence development, carried forward Bharadwaj’s spirit of innovation in technology.

 

The Maharshi Valmiki Award went to Padma Shri Ramesh Patange, a stalwart thinker and writer. “My whole life has been dedicated to the RSS,” he said with candour. “Swami Vivekananda gave Indian heritage the push it needed to awaken, and today our nation has taken an impressive and important turn towards rediscovering who we truly are.” His words captured the moral and cultural underpinnings of Valmiki, the poet-sage whose Ramayana awakened civilisational consciousness in ancient India. Prof Dr G Madhavi Latha, awarded the Vishwakarma Award, spoke with emotion about her journey. “To be part of a project of this stature is itself an honour,” she said. “Being fearless is a big part of the job. I started from rock bottom and became the first engineer of my village.” Her story of determination and courage reflected the essence of Vishwakarma, the divine architect, whose creations shaped worlds. Contd to page 2