Hinduism Today
KAUAI, HAWAII, August 29, 2006: Hinduism Today is proud to honor Shri Ramesh Bhai Oza with the Hindu Renaissance Award as “Hindu of the Year” 2006. The award is to be presented on August 31 in Mumbai, 7:00 pm, at the Birla Matushri Sabhagriha upon the birthday felicitation of Bhaishree during an assembly of saints being organized to mark the occasion. The cover story of Hinduism Today’s October issue tells the story of this remarkable religious leader.
In his letter of congratulations, Hinduism Today publisher Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami wrote, “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.”
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).