Vijnatham 2025: Avadheshananda Giri Maharaj Felicitated*
*Vijnatham 2025: Avadheshananda Giri Maharaj Felicitated*
As part of the 12th Coronation Celebration of Sri Nirmalanandanath Mahaswamiji, the Vijnatham Award Ceremony was held at BGS Sabha Bhawan, Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasansthan Mutt, on February 19 and 20.
Every year, Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri Mahasansthan Mutt honors distinguished achievers in various fields by presenting the ‘Chunchashree’ award. Similarly, the ‘Vijnatham’ award recognizes outstanding contributions in knowledge, science, and technology.
This year, Param Pujya Sri Avadheshananda Giri Maharaj, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhada, Harihara Ashram, Haridwar, was honored with the Vijnatham 2025 award.
_About Sri Swami Avadheshananda Giri Maharaj_
Sri Swami Avadheshananda Giri Maharaj is a revered spiritual saint, philosopher, and social reformer. He embarked on his spiritual journey at the young age of 17 and took monastic vows. In 1985, he became a disciple of Swami Sathyamitranandagiri and was later conferred the title of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhada in 1998.
Over the years, he has guided more than one lakh monks in the realms of spirituality, Vedanta, and Yoga. His contributions extend beyond spiritual teachings to education, healthcare, defense, and rural development. He is also an active member of the temple board overseeing the sacred Amarnath Yatra. Representing Sanatan Dharma on global platforms, he has spoken at prestigious forums, including the United Nations.
_Vijnatham Award Ceremony – Key Highlights_
The inaugural ceremony of the Vijnatham Award Program took place on February 19 in the divine presence of Param Pujya Dr. Sri Nirmalanandanath Mahaswamiji, who bestowed his blessings on the gathering.
● His Holiness Sri Siddalinga Mahaswamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, Tumkur, graced the event and inaugurated the function. The ceremony also witnessed the presence of:
● Shri N.Chaluvarayaswamy, Minister of Agriculture, who released Vijnatham Sanchaya – 3
● Shri Ravi Ganiga, MLA of Mandya Constituency
● Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka
● Dr. Kumar, Mandya District Collector
● Smt. Nandini, CEO, Zilla Panchayat
_Science Exhibition & Expert Lectures_
A special science exhibition was organized as part of the celebrations. Dr. Gautam Radhakrishna Desiraju, renowned scientist from the Indian Institute of Science and grandson of former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the exhibition.
Students from BGS Educational Institutions presented various scientific models, alongside exhibits from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
On this occasion, defense and space analyst Girish Linganna was honored with the Development Journalism Award.
_Several experts delivered insightful lectures, including:_
● Dr. I. Venugopal, Retired Group Director, ISRO, on ‘The Role of Engineers in Space, Chandrayaan Missions, and Future Human Habitats’
● Prof. N. B. Ramachandra, Head, Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, on ‘Genetics and Genomics in Medical Science’
● Dr. V. B. Aarti, Head of Bangalore Vibhu Academy, on ‘Psychology in Indian Literature’
*Cultural Programs & Award Ceremony*
A quiz competition, dance performances, and a light music event were conducted on February 19 as part of the celebrations.
The award ceremony took place on February 20, attended by several esteemed dignitaries, including:
●His Holiness Sri Swami Avadheshananda Giri Maharaj, Awardee
●His Holiness Sri Swami Paramatmananda Saraswati Swamiji, Arsha Vidya Mandir, Rajkot
●His Holiness Sri Swami Muktidanandaji Maharaj, Mysore Sri Ramakrishna Ashram
●Shri R. Ashok, Leader of the Opposition
●Dr. K. Sudhakar, Member of Parliament
● Shri Sharath Bachegowda, MLA
The Vijnatham 2025 Award Ceremony was a grand success, celebrating excellence in knowledge, science, and spiritual leadership, while also encouraging young minds through science, education, and cultural activities.