The Seventh Edition of the Swarajya Awards, presented in association with SMaRT, was announced/presented on the first day of the Pondy Lit Fest 2023. The Pondy Lit Fest 2023 is underway at Puducherry and will go on till 17 September 2023.
History And The Idea Behind The Awards
In 2015, Swarajya established the Swarajya Awards to recognize the outstanding contributions made by individuals and organisations in various fields. These awardees are prominently dedicated to promoting principles such as a free market, entrepreneurial freedom, the welfare of the nation, inventive thinking, business initiative, and the vibrant tapestry of India’s extensive cultural heritage. This annual event is named after illustrious individuals who have made significant contributions to economics, politics, society, and cultural spheres.
In the past, notable figures such as Sri Parasaran, Sri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Sri Manohar Parrikar, Sri K Annamalai, Late Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, Sri Amish Tripathi, and Sri Arvind Panagariya have received Swarajya awards.
Dr. S. P. Mukherjee Award
In the realm of politics, it will be conferred upon a practising politician who has consistently strived to uphold the principles that Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee embodied: a dedication to constitutional values and insightful initiatives aimed at enhancing the standard of public life.
This year, the prestigious award finds its deserving recipient in Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. In his address, Fadnavis illuminated the imperative essence of good governance, reminding us that its impact may often remain hidden, yet its absence can cast a suffocating shadow over society. With profound admiration, he extolled the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi and the enduring inspiration drawn from the legacies of Sri Deen Dayal and Sri SP Mukherjee. Fadnavis went on to draw our collective gaze towards the transformative measures undertaken by the state government, as they tirelessly strive to enhance our infrastructure at an unprecedented pace. Moreover, he revealed his keen anticipation of participating in the upcoming Pondy Literary Fest.
Recently, Devendra Fadnavis undertook a five-day visit to Japan to strengthen partnerships for several significant infrastructure ventures within the state. It was also reported that the state budget for 2023 was presented with a focus on irrigation and infrastructure projects.
Sree Narayana Guru Award
Named in honour of the eminent Hindu social reformer from Kerala, who championed social equality, spiritual liberation, and economic empowerment for the underprivileged, this award will be presented to individuals or institutions dedicated to transformative social projects, grassroots activism in rural education and healthcare, tribal welfare, marginalised community empowerment, and rural entrepreneurship.
This year, the award is presented to the Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation. The Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation is dedicated to establishing a comprehensive system of both local and centralised support to aid individuals in need, ensuring the seamless delivery of services and justice. Swati Goel Sharma, one of the founders of the foundation, addressed the gathering and highlighted the absence of support for victims even in high-profile cases. She explained how Naina Kaur was killed by her stalker, Shahrukh, in 2020, and how the foundation has been providing both financial and emotional support to Naina’s elderly parents ever since. She also highlighted how the foundation has started classes at a refugee camp in Jodhpur in the same camp where houses were demolished in April 2023.
Ustad Bismillah Khan Award
Established in homage to one of India’s most eminent musicians, who personified the core of India’s cultural unity and rich shared heritage, this award will be annually bestowed upon an individual who has attained the pinnacle of achievement in domains such as arts, culture, literature, philosophy, and traditional folklore.
This year, the award is presented to Sivasri Skandaprasad, a skilled performer in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Namasankeerthanam. She founded Ahuti to preserve the cherished traditions of Bhartiya Samskriti, including Carnatic music, Namasankeerthanam, and Bharatanatyam, all of which hold a significant place in our culture. During the event, she emphasised her determination to spread Bharateeya Kalachara, a treasure trove for budding artists and future generations. Kumari Sivasri has also embarked on Wari (Sangeeta yatra) in the past, visiting temples and sharing stories of celebrated seers and saints.
Dr. B R Shenoy Award
The award is named in honour of a prominent Indian free-market economist who challenged the Nehruvian dirigisme. It is bestowed upon an individual who has consistently advocated the value of the open market, advocated for a reduced government role in the enterprise, and thereby made a substantial contribution to advancing human freedom.
This year, the award is presented to K. V. Subramanian. In his message, he expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for appointing a young individual to the position of Chief Economic Advisor (CEA). Subramanian, a leading expert in economic policy, banking, and corporate governance, holds the distinction of being the youngest Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. Subramanian, the former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, currently serves as an Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
During his tenure as Chief Economic Advisor, he played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic policy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He successfully balanced supply and demand-side measures, prioritised public capital expenditures in fiscal policy, and introduced transformative reforms to tackle structural issues. His contributions have been commended by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who praised his academic brilliance and reformist zeal.
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