SARASWATA BHUSHANAM AWARDS
To commemorate the 79th Janmadivasa of His Guru - Parama Pujya Parijnanashram Swamiji III, our revered Mathadhipati decided to honour some exceptional individuals who had gladly offered their internationally - acclaimed expertise as devout seva for Shri Chitrapur Math and other outstanding achievers who had done the samaja proud by their spectacular achievements. By Shailaja Ganguly (August 2026)
Meet the awesome personalities who were the worthy recipients of the
SARASWATA BHUSHANAM AWARDS
It was a day that came to stay…
June 13th, 2026
As the radiant Devi Durga Parameshwari and the divine Sannidhya of the Sanjeevani Samadhi of our Parama Guru blessed the packed hall of devotees and special invitees, and the ‘mangalata’- the auspiciousness of the occasion generated a palpable exhilaration, our Beloved Mathadhipati - Parama Pujya Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji arrived and the grand proceedings took off.
The first dignitary to receive the prestigious Saraswata Bhushanam Award was a true Woman of Substance – the renowned ‘legal lioness’ so to speak -ZIA MODY whose immense contribution in unravelling the many legal tangles which had greatly hindered the smooth functioning of multiple aspects of Shri Chitrapur Math and its affiliated institutions drew fulsome praise from the President of SCM’s Standing Committee Praveen Kadlemam as he gave us details of Zia pachi’s glittering resume and her multi-faceted and unstinted seva since 2009! Praveenmam also accepted the award on her behalf as, unfortunately, her 24/7 commitments had made it impossible for her to be present at Karla that morning.
However, the disarming love and genuine reverence for Pujya Swamiji and His many prize initiatives for the samaja, that flowed seamlessly from her video moved every viewer and made it abundantly clear how very much Zia pachi belonged and how deserving she was of this public recognition.
In her endearing ‘thank you-clip’, Zia Mody - Co-founder and Managing Partner AZB and Partners and daughter of the legendary legal eagle Soli Sorabjee, expressed deep gratitude for having had “the honour and privilege” of meeting Pujya Swamiji on several occasions and expressed her continued admiration for Swamiji’s “sharp intellect, legendary wit and abundant love.” She emphasized how inspired she was by Swamiji’s “love, energy and personal sacrifice that have helped to create a strong set of values in young people and taken all initiatives to another level.” Her telling line was about how Pujya Swamiji “inspired and left you more at peace with yourself.”
Explaining how vital it is for the Math to keep its affair legally clean Pujya Swamiji bestowed love and blessings on Zia pachi and assured her that her candid expression of her feelings had made her inspiring presence felt in the holy precincts of Karla that morning.
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Next, Pravinmam introduced close friend and associate over many years - the globally acclaimed tax expert and chartered accountant DINESH KANABAR, CEO, Dhruva Advisors who had voluntarily come forward to amicably resolve complex tax matters concerning our Religious and Charitable Trusts and had, soon, become a devotee of Pujya Swamiji.
Visibly overwhelmed upon receiving the Award at the Holy Hands of Pujya Swamiji, Dineshmam shared his continued wonder about Swamiji’s childlike inquisitiveness and amazing degree of interest which goes to the very root to find out why and how a given law evolved. Looking back on the memorable occasion, he added, “While my connection with Swamiji began with me acting purely as a professional advisor, I was profoundly impressed by the selfless work Swamiji has been doing in all the initiatives for the upliftment of the community. His desire for knowledge is amazing.
“The peace and serenity he exudes radiates all around. Being honoured by him is special as it tells me that my professional efforts have been valued by Him and that recognition is very humbling. I look forward to continue rendering my services in the years to come.”
Pujya Swamiji now stepped in to stress how important it was to keep abreast of tax laws which change in almost every quarter. In Religious Trusts the Devata is “like a child” Swamiji said, which heightens the responsibility and accountability of the trustees. Which is where the “margadarshan” of experts like Dineshmam is invaluable, Swamiji explained as he showered Love and Blessings on Dineshmam and family.
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The third Awardee was the multi-faceted Dr. RAJIV SHARANGPANI -orthopaedic surgeon, yoga expert and fitness consultant to the Sports Authority of India and much more besides. With vast experience in the promoting of physical and mental wellness, Dr. Sharangpani has been closely associated with Shri Chitrapur Math and Pujya Swamiji for over 15 years now.
Swamiji praised Dr. Sharangpani’s sharp acumen, meticulousness and ‘body intelligence’. He also related how Doctor had carefully watched, approved and himself practiced the Wimhof meditation technique with Swamiji for three weeks before endorsing and agreeing that it could now be introduced to the samaja.
“This award is very special for me because of Swamiji’s love and the great work that He is doing for society and for the community. Swamiji was at His Very Best that evening, commanding the respect of everyone present. Going to Karla and meeting Swamiji is always a great experience,” was the moving feedback from Dr. Sharangpani.
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Each of these three renowned professionals hugely merited the Saraswata Bhushanam Award because of their unstinted seva over many years in vital and sensitive areas of well-being of a mammoth spiritual institution like Shri Chitrapur Math and their genuine love and reverence towards Pujya Swamiji and goodwill towards our samaja.
The remaining five Awards were conferred upon Chitrapur Saraswats who had excelled in their chosen field and thereby earned honour for our relatively small but extremely versatile and intellectually sharp community.
The first Awardee from this ‘home-ground’ was the celebrated actor - Padma Bhushan ANANT NAG. Strong-rooted because of spending his formative years in Kanhangad and Shirali, Anantmam’s passion for the performing arts led him first to the theatre wherein he wore the multiple hats of actor, director and producer for 50 plays in Konkani and Kannada. When the silver screen beckoned, he actually went on to complete five whole decades during which he acted in (hold your breath!) 300 films in Kannada, Hindi, plus six other languages and lifted the Best Actor Award five times from the Kannada film industry and Filmfare.
Anantmam’s spirited presence in public life as well has earned him the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the Sahitya Akademi Award, a much-deserved honorary Doctorate and of course, national recognition with the Padma Bhushan. Age is just a number for Anantmam who continues to pursue his deep interest in Sanskrit, history, art and politics.
Especially worthy of mention is the close association Anantmam had with our Parama Guru over many years. He was present at the Shishya Sweekara in 1959 and had the joy of performing in the play Chitrapur Vaibhav in the Presence of Parama Pujya Parijnanashram Swamiji III.
“Guruunka nambunuuchi vaadlaan” (I have grown up investing total faith in the Guru) he said with moving humility upon receiving the honour from Pujya Swamiji along with his wife Smt. Gayatri Nag. Blessed with a prodigious memory, Anantmam seamlessly chanted the names Parama Pujya Anandashram Swamiji had listed of all the great Gurus who had guided our samaja before the advent of Parama Pujya Parijnanashram I at Kotiteerth. Pujya Swamiji intervened to assure him that those names are chanted by our Vaidiks every morning.
Anantmam also recalled our Guru Swami (then a vibrant 17) effortlessly materializing kumkum from one palm and vibhuti from the other. (Later, Parama Pujya Anandashram Swamiji had gently cautioned Him to refrain from such visible manifestations of Shakti as it was not in conformation with our hallowed Parampara.)
A precious memory came to light when Anantmam said this was the fifth shawl he had been honoured with…as apart from this one, he had publicly received two earlier at the Holy Hands of Pujya Swamiji and one at the National Award ceremony. But, for him the most invaluable one was the shawl Pujya Swamiji had taken off from His own shoulders and draped around Anantmam’s on a hillock at Baindur when, on a sunny evening he was suddenly blessed with a “pushpa-vrishti” - a divine drizzle that was showered only on him as he shared some timeless moments with Pujya Swamiji.
Pujya Swamiji, as always, acknowledged that ‘miracle’ without comment, but created a wave of exhilaration when He declared “Each one of us is a ‘lahari’- a miracle (that is happening here and now..Parijnanalahari is the intense sadhana-based individual and collective joyous itinerary devised to commemorate from this 79th year of Guru Swami on 15th June 2026 - to cover the beautiful Triveni Sangama - the 80th Janmadivasa on 15th June 2027, the 30th Ordination Day of Pujya Swamiji on 27th February 2027 and culminate on the 60th Pattabhisheka Vardhanti of Parijnanashram Swamiji III on 12th October,2027)
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Worthy recipient of the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award, the first Indian to win the All-England Open Championship, badminton legend PRAKASH PADUKONE was then invited to come forward and receive the Saraswata Bhushanam Award for the laurels he has earned for the samaja and also for the great work he is doing to coach fresh talent in his state-of-the art Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru.
Watching the soft-toned, unassuming and humble Prakashmam suddenly lose his voice and get completely overcome with emotion on the mike brought a catch to the throat of everyone present. “ I used to visit the Math regularly with my grandparents, but of late I haven’t had the time,” he admitted, but what was very moving was to hear him say “I have worked hard but whatever little I have achieved has been possible only due to the Blessings of Swamiji and good wishes from all of you.” This genuinely-expressed gratitude also made him promise that he would serve in whatever manner possible and continue to bring a good name to our community.
Like a gentle mother our Guru-Mauli calmed Prakashmam telling him that it was the highly-charged ‘spandan’ of this ‘pavitra kshetra’ that makes devotees let go of all our pretensions and recognize with joy that there is Somebody who gives you unconditional love, irrespective of all else. Expressing joy for his presence, telling everyone that it is his passion that empowered Prakashmam to bring that rare finesse to his art, Pujya Swamiji also added that we need people like him to galvanize and motivate the young.
Looking back on that momentous occasion a few days later Prakashmam said, “I had visited Karla about five years ago so this was my second visit and a very enriching experience…. very emotional, satisfying and fulfilling.
“This Award was very special because I received it from Swamiji personally. I had never felt so emotional when receiving any other award including the Padma Shri in 1982. Pujya Swamiji’s very Presence has a profound impact on all, including me. It has a very calming effect on everyone.
His promise - “I can advise the Math volunteers on any sporting activity they wish to undertake.”
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Even as he admitted to feeling happy and proud the next Awardee – multi-channel communicator SHEKHAR HATTANGDI who is a journalist, a gold-medalist lawyer, a public speaker, teacher and filmmaker all rolled into one, also confessed that he was feeling “genuine self-doubt.” The disturbing visual of a much-wowed filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherji tearing up asking ‘What have I done’ (in comparison to his scientist son) always returned to haunt him and even infuse guilt at times, he said. But he agreed that most of all, awards are an inspiration to do something better and hoped he would be able to live up to the honour bestowed upon him.
Driven by the need to create a meaningful interface between law and religion Shekharmam is researching on modern secular laws versus ancient rituals. His award-winning film Santhara explores this conflict. He is particularly interested in the phenomenon of bala-yogis... or children who are deprived of a childhood when they are initiated too early to become future Heads of a spiritual lineage. He expressed hope that Pujya Swamiji would guide and interact with him on the contemporary relevance of this delicate issue.
Shekharmam was accompanied by his wife Shaila pachi who is a highly talented classical singer and also a laudable exponent of lighter genres like thumri, dadra, kajri and bhajans too.
It was awe-inspiring to see Pujya Swamiji now transform into a friendly bandhu-sakha - a Mentor who came down to our ‘uncertain’ Mam’s plane and asked “Can’t I have self-doubt too? Can I compare myself to my Guru?” Swamiji then touchingly listed all the spiritual initiatives He had introduced one by one to establish a fulfilling bridge or bond to connect every sadhaka in the samaja with the Divine.
Swamiji reassured Shekharmam by stating that it is an honest man in pursuit of truth who feels he is not worthy of praise because he knows “how much more there is to know.” This Award, Swamiji said, is not adulation but a recognition of his tenacity to get to the root of something, the burning desire to know…The moving sum-up to put Shekharmam at ease was “We all deserve to be here because we are all striving and have come to the ‘srot’ (the infinite Source) together.”
Reflecting on the enriching evening Shekharmam expressed gratitude both for Pujya Swamiji’s insightful comments and this highest recognition conferred upon by what he felt was a highly astute and commendable selection committee which chose him over so many other limelight persona or newsmakers in media. He also looked forward to meaningful future interaction with Pujya Swamiji to resolve the issues he is researching on…
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Worthy son and inheritor of the glorious legacy of the renowned vocalist Pandit Dinkar Kaikini and his accomplished wife Smt. Shashikala Kaikini, prized Shishya of tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha Khan Sahab, winner of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and innumerable accolades for the magic in his lightning-fingers both as an accompanist to crème de la crème artistes and performers and as an enchanting soloist, Pandit YOGESH SAMSI was the next Awardee. Humility, gratitude and devotion laced every word as he stated that this was one of the greatest moments of his life. He recalled doing riyaaz all by himself for hours in this very temple in the mid’80s and ‘90s.
He also shared a milestone memory of the Rathotsava in 1987 when Guru Swami had listened to his father’s concert uninterrupted for six whole hours and later, during a private audience assured Dinkarmam that the uncertainty his son was going through would soon dissolve because his future too lay in music. To see the grand manifestation of that prophecy in this Saraswata Bhushanam Award was as wondrous to the audience as it was for our visibly moved winner.
“I will always remain indebted to my Guruparampara,” Yogesh said and very touchingly declared that this ‘satkar’ truly belongs to his parents, Pandit Taranath, (and of course,) Ustad Allah Rakha Khan Sahab, plus “to all the Gurus who have inspired me and shown me the way forward.” Expressing his indebtedness to Pujya Swamiji for the gracious Anumati given to him to conduct workshops for his students at Karla and Mallapur, he concluded seeking “Blessings and shakti to swim through this vast Mahasagar of which I have not even covered 1 per cent on this incredible journey!”
“This relentless seeking for something ‘shashwat’ in this ‘nashwar’ samsara is why you are here,” Pujya Swamiji responded, adding a heartwarming - “We are proud of you and our love makes us bask in your glory.”
Reminiscing about that golden moment a blissed-out Yogeshmam said – “Going deep into this art for the last 40 years has given me an insight in what the Gurushakti and Guruparampara is all about. Swamiji for us is not just a living Guru, He is God personified. To feel the blessing hand upon my head of the same Guru from whom I received mantra-deeksha, to be honoured in the same spot where I did riyaz for years makes me feel incredibly charged. I will try my best to carry this ashirvaad forward to bless the next generation of tabla players and musicians.”
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“I have never forgotten where I came from,” stated our final Awardee SHIV AROOR - the dynamic, very centred, much-loved and wowed journalist, anchor, bestselling author and now-the Managing Editor NDTV who shifted base after an extremely fruitful 18 years at India Today where he joined as Special Correspondent and left as Senior Executive Editor covering defence, military and national security affairs. After the skyrocketing success of 3 Volumes titled "India's Most Fearless" recording chilling and thrilling ‘Dramas in Real Life’ of salute-worthy heroes from India’s Military and Anti-terror Operations, co-authored with Rahul Singh, the fourth is poised for release.
Holding the mike after receiving his Award from Pujya Swamiji Shiv voiced his obvious surprise and elation upon seeing so many Yuvas who have made their mark in the world outside doing seva in the Math so diligently and devotedly. He then related how, 24 years ago, his father Prakash Aroormam had taken him to meet Pujya Swamiji in Chennai. He had not known what to expect…and had been happily surprised to find Swamiji talking to him about music, books…in short, all his favourite things. Most important was the prophecy wrapped in a blessing at parting ‘You will never regret choosing to be a journalist.’ “He was right,” announced a smiling Shiv that evening. He confessed that he felt guilty that “I have not done enough for my community,” requested,” Let me know how I can help” and topped it with “I promise I will not fail you.”
Ever the gracious and self-effacing Mahatma, Pujya Swamiji told a happy Shiv that his books were absolutely outstanding, that some idea will definitely emerge to connect him more meaningfully with Math activities, particularly with Yuvas and that “We are all basking in reflected glory.”
Even as he proves himself every moment in his Karmakshetra at NDTV, there is no doubt that under the Guidance of our spirited and adept Sarathi, Shiv Aroor will soon work wonders in his Dharmakshetra too!
As he recalled the evening with gratitude, a highly moved Shiv said he felt “recognized and appreciated by the community” and as “it pertained to heritage and roots, it felt very personal” and hence, this Award was so different from the many he has hitherto received. Expressing awe and admiration for Pujya Swamiji he said watching and listening to Swamiji that afternoon, he was overjoyed to see how progressive Swamiji was – well-read, curious, eager and young at heart, with a spiritual grounding but a modern outlook and hence, so relatable to the present generation. His biggest takeaway was seeing so many young professionals from different cities here and so involved in seva despite the many distractions today’s world offers.
And yes - “super-grateful” Shivmam has been in touch with people Pujya Swamiji has already connected him to and some good work is on its way…In his words “It is truly a turning of the page and the beginning of a new chapter connecting me with my roots, so I am very happy and very honoured.”
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Yes, seeing, listening to and cheering every unique recipient of the Saraswata Bhushanam Award was an unforgettable experience for everyone present at the sacrosanct Karla Math. But the true crest-jewel of that historical afternoon was the Sutradhar Extraordinaire – our Beloved Swamiji - who so delicately and deftly led the spellbound audience through the entire event making them oblivious to time as He so palpably shared our joy and interacted with every Awardee with abundant love, inherent wit and invaluable wisdom!
Om Namah Parvati Pataye Hara Hara Mahadev!