New Delhi, May 29 (JKNS): In recognition of his remarkable contribution towards the preservation and promotion of Sanatan Dharma and the revival of Sharda civilization in Kashmir, Ravinder Pandita, Chairman and Founder of Save Sharda Committee Kashmir (Regd.), was honoured with the prestigious “Dharam Bandhu Award” by the renowned Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysuru, Karnataka.
The award was presented during the grand celebrations marking the 84th Birthday of revered spiritual leader Guru Sachidanand Ganapathy Ji Maharaj. The event witnessed the participation of thousands of devotees, spiritual scholars, and dignitaries from across the country in a packed auditorium at the Peetham.
The “Dharam Bandhu Award” carries a citation along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and is bestowed upon individuals who have rendered exceptional services towards religious, cultural, and humanitarian causes.
While honouring Ravinder Pandita, the Peetham acknowledged his continuous efforts for the revival of Sharda Peeth, preservation of Kashmiri heritage, and promotion of spiritual harmony in the Kashmir Valley. The institution praised his dedication in highlighting the significance of the ancient Sharda civilization and his tireless campaign for reopening the historic Sharda Peeth located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Addressing the gathering, Swami Ji lauded the mission undertaken by the Save Sharda Committee and urged devotees to collectively support the cause of restoring and reconnecting with the sacred Sharda Peeth. On the occasion, devotional bhajans in praise of Maa Sharda Devi were also sung by devotees, creating a spiritually vibrant atmosphere.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravinder Pandita expressed gratitude to Avadhoota Datta Peetham for the honour and reiterated the importance of preserving the spiritual and cultural identity of Kashmir.
“We should all unite for the cause of reopening Sharda Peeth in PoK, which remains an important spiritual and cultural centre for millions of devotees,” he said while addressing the massive gathering.
He also invited devotees and pilgrims from across the country to visit the newly constructed Sharda Temple at LoC Teetwal in Kashmir, which has emerged as a symbol of faith, peace, and cultural revival in recent years.
As a gesture of respect and gratitude, Ravinder Pandita presented a portrait of the historic Sharda Peeth along with a traditional Sharda shawl to Swami Ji during the felicitation ceremony.
Pandita further appreciated the cooperation and hospitality extended by the local residents of Teetwal and Karnah towards the increasing number of pilgrims and visitors visiting the Sharda Temple since its inauguration in 2023 by the Hon’ble Union Home Minister of India, Shri Amit Shah Ji.
In a notable humanitarian gesture, Ravinder Pandita announced that he would donate the entire cash prize amount of ₹1 lakh to the Save Sharda Committee Kashmir for further strengthening the mission and activities related to the promotion of Sharda heritage and interfaith harmony.
The Save Sharda Committee has been actively working for years to reconnect people with the rich cultural and spiritual legacy of Kashmir and has played a pivotal role in advocating for the reopening of the ancient Sharda corridor.
(JKNS)
