Dharamshala: Hridayvasi Seva Samiti, an organisation renowned for its spiritual, cultural and social initiatives, has announced its annual awards ceremony to honour individuals who have excelled in their respective fields. The event, scheduled for November 23, 2024, will recognise 10 prominent personalities, including Kargil hero Brigadier Khushal Thakur (retd), celebrated author Murari Sharma and senior journalist with The Newz Radar Munish Sood.
Celebrating excellence in diverse fields
The awards will highlight contributions in various areas, including literature, journalism, culture, spirituality and community service. Those to be honoured include:Brigadier Khushal Thakur is celebrated for his bravery in the Kargil war where he led the mission to capture Tiger Hill and Tololing peaks. Murari Sharma, a renowned author, will be awarded for his acclaimed novel ‘Debaku: Ek Prem Katha’. The Newz Radar’s Munish Sood will be recognised for his impactful work in journalism, having contributed for nearly three decades in the field. Munish Sood has been associated since the beginning with The Newz Radar, the only English news network based in Himachal Pradesh.Saty Mahesh Sharma, author of Choti Kashi ke Dev Utsav, will also be felicitated. So will be Dr Parikshit, who will receive the award for his dedication and excellence in healthcare. Vinod Bahl, a poet, will be felicitated for his contribution to the field of Mandiyali literature.The others include Pankaj Pandit and Pandit Yogesh Sharma for their work in Bhagwat Katha narration, Tara Boti for her dedication to traditional Mandi cuisine and Sardar Harmeet Singh Bittu for his efforts to preserve Mandi’s culture.
Grand ceremony with spiritual, cultural significance
The event will commence with a puja of Maa Hridayvasini, followed by a Gayatri Maha Yagna. Swami Soham Muni Ji Udaseen from Haridwar will preside as the chief guest.For the past four years, the Hridayvasi Seva Samiti has been running a daily meal distribution service for patients and their attendants at the Regional Hospital, Mandi. On the occasion, the samiti will organise a bhandara (community feast) and distribute new clothes to underprivileged individuals through its Hridayvasi Cloth Bank.
Special tribute on Shri Sathya Sai Baba’s birth anniversary
The celebration holds special significance as it marks the birth anniversary of Shri Sathya Sai Baba, who inspired the foundation of Hridayvasi Seva Samiti. The evening will conclude with devotional singing and an aarti, emphasising the event’s spiritual undertone.Coordinator Raman Bisht warmly invited the public to attend this grand occasion with their families and friends, ensuring a memorable celebration of service, culture and community.
