Rajiv Malik, HPI Correspondent,
MUMBAI, INDIA, September 1, 2006: The prestigious Hindu Renaissance Award as “Hindu of the Year” 2006 was presented to internationally acclaimed katha vachak Shri Ramesh Bhai Oza, popularly known as Bhaishri, at a grand function held in Mumbai’s prestigious and Birla Matushri Sabhagriha on August 31, 2006. The award was presented by this correspondent on behalf of Hinduism Today magazine’s publisher Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami. The audience gave a standing ovation for over five minutes when the award was presented.
In his award acceptance speech an emotional Bhaishri said, “In my life all that I have earned is the love and affection of the saints and this is my only capital. I attach a lot of importance to this award as it comes to me from an institution that is run by a group of saints and is engaged in the promotion of Hindu dharma all over the world through its world class magazine Hinduism Today. What has prompted me to accept this award is the kind of exposure it would get worldwide to the good work being done by our institution Sandipani Vidyaniketan.”
In his letter of congratulations, Hinduism Today publisher Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami conveyed to Bhaishri, “With great pleasure and respect I am sending you this plaque honoring your being chosen for the 2006 Hindu Renaissance Award as ‘Hindu of the Year.’ In a meeting earlier this year, the editorial team of Hinduism Today surveyed the world to select one Hindu leader among millions who had, through his life and example, impacted Sanatana Dharma most profoundly and globally. We unanimously selected you, Bhaishri. You have proven yourself most worthy of this recognition for a number of reasons. Your kathas enlighten Hindus around the world with the wisdom of the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavat Gita. The institute you helped establish and now preside over, Sandipani Vidyaniketan, is one of India’s most respected priest-training schools. You have gained well-earned respect for the wise advice you bestow upon the thousands of devotees who come to you with questions of life they can not answer themselves. Please accept this gesture of the Hindu world’s gratitude as one small acknowledgement of the Lord’s blessings which have poured out through your exemplary ministry.”
Master of ceremonies Shri Virendra Yagnik, in his remarks lauded the good work being done by Hinduism Today highlighted the fact that “Starting in 1990, Hinduism Today has honored one eminent Hindu each year who has most impacted Hinduism and spread its values, compassion and profundity across the globe. Past renaissance winners are: Swami Paramananda Bharati (’90), Swami Chidananda Saraswati, “Muniji” of Parmath Niketan (’91), Swami Chinmayananda (’92), Mata Amritanandamayi Ma (’93), Swami Satchidananda (’94), Pramukhswami Maharaj (’95), Sri Satya Sai Baba (’96), Sri Chinmoy (’97), Swami Bua (’98), Swami Chidananda Saraswati of Divine Life Society (’99), Ma Yoga Shakti (’00), priest Sri T. S. Sambamurthy Sivachariar (’01), Dada Vaswani (’02), Sri Tiruchi Mahaswamigal (’03), priest Dr. K. Pichai Sivacharya (’04) and Sri Swami Tejomayananda (’05).”
The presentation of award coincided with the saints meeting organized by Vaishvik Sanskriti Parivar, to felicitate Shri Ramesh Bhai Oza on his completing 49 years and entering the fiftieth year. Birla Matushri auditorium which can accommodate around one thousand one hundred people was overflowing with people. A large number of saints close to Bhaishri also graced the occasion and showered their blessings on him. Bhaishri’s devotees and well wishers from all over the world had also gathered here to convey birthday greetings to their “most affectionate elder brother.”
The program began with the soul-uplifting one hour kirtan by the troupe of internationally acclaimed Baba Maharaj Satarkar of Varkari Sampradaya whose family has been doing sankirtans for over 140 year.
Some of the prominent saints who graced the occasion included – Mahamandaleshwar Karshini Gurusharnananda Ji Maharaj of Raman Reti, Vrindavan, Mahamandaleshwar Govindananda Ji Maharaj, Vedantacharya of Gangeshwar Dham, Mumbai, Swami Devprakash Ji Maharaj of Swami Shri Shantiprakash Ashram, Ulhasnagar, Jagdish Ji Maharaj of Shri Kshetra, Pandharpur, an ancestor of Saint Tukaram and Balvyas Shri Kant Sharma Ji.