Ayodhya, 06th Sept, 2024 :

In a glittering ceremony organized by the Singhal Foundation, (Udaipur) at Ayodhaya, Narayan Lal Sharma from Rajasthan was honored with the ‘ Utkṛishṭ Ved Vidyaarthii ‘ award at the 8th Bharatatma Ashok Singhal Veda Awards 2024. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented him with a cash prize of three lakh rupees, a medal, and a certificate. Narayan Lal Sharma, who hails from Salara village in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan, is the son of Ladulal Sharma and Vimla Devi.

In his address, Yogi Adityanath emphasized the significance of Sanatan Dharma, stating that it is the only eternal religion in the world. He highlighted that the prosperity and security of Sanatan Dharma would ensure the welfare of humanity. “If Sanatan Dharma is in danger, the very existence of humanity will be at risk,” he remarked. He also paid rich tribute to Ashok Singhal, noting that though Singhal Ji had an engineering degree from Banaras Hindu University, but he dedicated his life to serve Sanatan Dharma as a pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), playing a pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

Narayan Lal Sharma, a dedicated student of the Raṇayani branch of the Samaveda, began his Vedic studies under Vedamurti Shri Ishwarlal Sharma at the Shri Munikul Brahmacharyashram Veda Sansthan in Baroondni, Rajasthan. He later continued his studies at the Samaveda Gurukul in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, under the guidance of Vedamurti Shri Tukaram Dattatreya Mule Guruji. There, he deepened his knowledge of various aspects of the Samaveda, including the Samhita, Prakriti Gaan, Aaranyak Gaan, Pada Patha, and Rahasya Gaan.

Expressing his gratitude, Narayan Lal Sharma said, “The Vedas carry the knowledge and penance of the sages, passed down through generations. The Vedas inspire us to lead a spiritual life and work for the welfare of society. I am fortunate to be a Vedic student, and I will remain dedicated to the service and promotion of the Vedas throughout my life.” He also stated that the prize money he received from the Bharatatma Award would be used to promote Vedic teachings.

This year’s Bharatatma Ashok Singhal Veda Awards were presented in four categories. Veteran Brahmarshi Vishnu Pattal Subramaniam received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, Acharya Gopal Chandra Mishra Vaidik Unnayan Samsthaan of Kashi was awarded seven lakh rupees for the ‘Uttam Ved Vidyaalay’, and Vice-Chancellor R. Chandramouli Shrauti was honored with ‘Adarsh Vedaadhyaapak’, received a cash prize of five lakh rupees.