Kolkata, 2 March (H.S.) -Renowned spiritual leader Swami Pradiptananda, popularly known as Kartik Maharaj, was honoured with the prestigious Vivekananda Seva Samman by Shri Bara Bazar Kumar Sabha Pustakalaya in a grand ceremony held at Rathindra Mancha, Kolkata. Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma graced the occasion as the chief guest, commending Kartik Maharaj’s relentless service to society.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sarma praised Swami Kartik Maharaj for his remarkable work in uplifting tribal communities and uniting the Hindu society. He noted that Kartik Maharaj’s dedication had earlier been recognised with the Padma Shri award by the central government, and now the Vivekananda Seva Samman stands as another well-deserved honour for his contribution. Dr. Sarma highlighted that under Kartik Maharaj’s initiatives, around 21,000 children are receiving education and healthcare across 11 schools.
Speaking on Indian civilisation, Dr. Sarma recalled Swami Vivekananda’s vision of making India a Vishwaguru (global leader). He expressed confidence that this dream is on its path to becoming reality, driven by the eternal wisdom of Sanatan Dharma. While civilisations like Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and Paris have disappeared into history, Sanatan Dharma continues to thrive because our sages guided us on the path of wisdom and unity, Sarma said.
Referring to the historic Chicago Parliament of Religions, Dr. Sarma emphasised how Swami Vivekananda established the superiority of Hindu philosophy on the global stage. Our Vedas and Puranas speak of universal brotherhood, beyond caste, sect, or division. They teach that we are all children of one father and parts of the same divine entity, he added.
Dr. Sarma reiterated that Sanatan Dharma’s foundation of knowledge and consciousness has ensured its survival and growth through the ages. This is the strength of Sanatan – moving forward with wisdom and unity. On this basis, India will surely emerge as a Vishwaguru, he affirmed.
The event also saw the presence of Union Minister Sanjay Seth, veteran journalist Balbir Punj, and other distinguished guests. The programme was presided over by Mahavir Prasad Bajaj on behalf of Shri Bara Bazar Kumar Sabha Pustakalaya. Prominent social workers Sajjan Kumar Tulsiyan and Padma Shri awardee Sajjan Bhajanka were also present on the occasion.
The ceremony celebrated Kartik Maharaj’s dedication to social service, education, and the promotion of Sanatan values, while inspiring a collective commitment to preserving India’s ancient wisdom as the guiding force for the nation’s future.
Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh
