The soul-stirring recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa by Mahant Narreshpurri Ji Maharaj stood as a testament to the event's grandeur.
Paris: Distinguished Indians from different walks of life have been honored with the prestigious Bharat Gaurav Awards at the iconic French Senate for their outstanding achievements and community service, thus elevating their country's reputation worldwide.
In a grand gathering of Indians from 15 countries, the Palais Du Luxembourg Hall Senate reverberated with resounding applause as the talented awardees -- from trailblazing entrepreneurs to visionary artists -- were honored with the highest international award for Indians earlier this month.
The prestigious event, organized by the Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha, commenced with the soul-stirring recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa by Mahant Narreshpurri Ji Maharaj of Mehandipur Balaji in Rajasthan.
It was attended by Frederic Buval, Senator of France, Dominic Theophile, Vice President of Senate, Praveen Kumar, Consul General India (CGI), and other distinguished personalities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Frederic Buval, Senator of France, stressed the importance of maintaining a strong connection to India and nurturing a sense of Indianness that continues to flourish.
Bhajan singer and 2021 Nari Shakti Puraskar winner Begam Batool. (Photo provided by Bharat Gaurav Awards)
Dr Davendra Mehta, Director of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, was recognized for his 'exceptional contributions'. (Photo provided by Bharat Gaurav Awards)
Neurologist and Padma Shri recipient Dr Sudhir Shah receiving his award. (Photo provided by Bharat Gaurav Awards)
While Senator Theophile commended Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha's commitment to social mass movements, highlighting their significant contributions to the Jaipur Marathon and beyond, CGI Kumar emphasized the remarkable impact made by Indians globally.
The distinguished awardees included Bollywood actor Annu Kapoor who commended the activities of Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha and extended heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving Bharat Gaurav award winners.
The felicitation ceremony also recognized accomplished personalities such as Begam Batool, bhajan singer and 2021 Nari Shakti Puruskar awardee, Sudhir Shah, a neurologist and Padma Shri recipient; Manoj Tyagi, CEO of Sanskar TV, Spiritual Leader HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji, Dr Davendra Mehta, Director of Mount Sinai Hospital, New York; Indrajeet Rai, Executive Editor, ABP News and Jagdish Sharma, Managing Editor of Dainik Bhaskar.
Some of the other honorees were spiritual leaders Dr Jayant Athavle, Sacchinand Parambrahman, and Sadguru Riteshwar; Professor Sadhna Joshi, a Canadian Molecular Virologist, Jean Yves, Deputy Mayor, Belle Eau, Guadeloupe, Olivia Ramatour, Deputy Mayor, Saint Anne, Guadeloupe; French artist Mathiyalagan Kanagantranam; French litterateur Saraswati Joshi; Financial Educator Kevat Patel and Padma Bhushan Kamlesh D Patel from the US;
"The achievements of Indians across various fields have consistently elevated the nation's reputation worldwide. Since India's independence, the remarkable progress made by its people has surpassed all expectations. Today, Indians are playing leading roles in diverse domains, and their influence is expanding across the globe," a press statement shared by the organizers read.
The Bharat Gaurav Award ceremony has had the honor of felicitating luminaries such as Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, acclaimed actor Manoj Kumar, Nobel Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi, businesswoman Indra Nooyi, and revered Jain saints -- Pulak Sagar, Lokesh Muni, Prasanna Sagar, and Major Dhyan Chand, among other notable personalities.
Over the past ten years, around 400 Non-Resident Indians have been recognized and honored for their exceptional contributions.
