Varanasi: On the occasion of Goswami Tulsidas Jayanti, the ‘Ramayani Samman’ was conferred upon 28 eminent personalities at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) under the aegis of the Ramayana Research Council.
The awardees were recognised for their outstanding contributions to Ramayana literature, Indian culture and various fields connected with Lord Shri Ram and Mata Sita.
Presiding over the ceremony, Prof. Ajit Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, said that organising the ‘Ramayani Samman’ was a matter of pride. The ceremony brought together distinguished personalities, scholars and devotees associated with the Ramayana and Indian cultural traditions.
Popular Bhajan Samrat and Padma Shri awardee Anup Jalota, who was among the recipients, won the hearts of the audience with a soulful bhajan dedicated to Lord Shri Ram.
Ajay Bhatt, Member of Parliament from Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, and Chairman of the Ramayana Research Council, said that the country has numerous talented individuals working in the fields of Ramayana literature, Indian culture and national interest. He stressed the importance of recognising and encouraging such contributions.
Chintamani Maharaj, MP from Surguja, Chhattisgarh, emphasised that encouragement is essential in the present times and said that the younger generation needs proper guidance and inspiration.
Devdutt Sharma, retired IAS officer, Trustee of the Ramayana Research Council and Convener of the ‘Ramayani Samman’, said that the initiative has been launched to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the Ramayana and Indian cultural traditions.
Special District-Level Drive to Identify Contributors
Speaking about the selection process, Dr. Bharat Nagar, Member of the Selection Committee and Trustee of the Ramayana Research Council, said the Council would launch a special district-level drive throughout the year to identify people working in the fields of Shri Ram, Mata Sita and the Ramayana.
He said the objective is to ensure that deserving contributors are recognised, appreciated and honoured at their own place of work rather than being called elsewhere. The initiative is also aimed at motivating them, inspiring future generations and taking the message of the Ramayana to people across the world.
Recipients of the ‘Ramayani Samman’
The 28 awardees included Anup Jalota, Anuradha Paudwal, R.K. Sinha, late Kishore Kunal, Dr. Archana Prakash, Bhagwan Das, Dr. Uday Pratap Singh, Dr. Avadhi Hari, Yogeshwar Prasad Devarani, Aditya Jain, Abhay Manke, Sant Hariom, Narendranath Gagan, Yogesh Chandra Sharma ‘Yogi’ (Agra), Sanjeev Kumar, Dr. Asha Ojha, Madugulla Prafulla, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, Dr. Chandra Prabha Madan, Acharya Santosh Pandey, Ajay Yagnik, Vindhyachal Mani Tripathi, Rajradhe Krishna Sharma, Prem Prakash Dubey, Triloki Nath Pandey, Rambhani Dwivedi, Dr. Ravishankar Pandey and Rekha Mehra.
The distinguished guests included Maharshi Yogi Madhusudan Ji, founder of Maharshi Yoga Ashram, Kankhal, Haridwar; Padma Shri Acharya Dr. Harihar Kripalu Tripathi Ji Maharaj, former Chairman of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust; Padma Bhushan Prof. (Dr.) Devi Prasad Dwivedi; eminent astrologer Prof. Chandramauli Upadhyay; Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, CEO of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust; and scholars associated with Shri Janaki Katha.
Council’s Initiative in Sitamarhi
Ajay Bhatt also highlighted the Council’s ongoing initiatives in Sitamarhi, associated with Mata Sita. He said that 12 acres of land have been allotted at the ancient Shri Ram-Janaki site through the Bihar State Religious Trust Board.
At the site, the Council plans to establish an Akhand Jyot using soil collected from 51 Shakti Peethas and install Chaturbhuja Mahalakshmi Ji.
He further stated that Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary had visited the site on April 25, 2026, and performed the ceremonial worship of the foundation stone for the renovation of the ancient monastery.
The proceedings of the ‘Ramayani Samman’ ceremony were conducted by Pitambar Mishra.