For some dignitaries the stars on this 25th December were excellent. In Dehradun, the capital of Uttaranchal, the well known Doon Citizens Council gave away the award, 'Pride of Uttaranchal', to personalities, who made great sacrifices for the upliftment of Uttaranchal in the field of education, administration and in general. One of the prominent awardees was H.H. Swami Vishweshwarananda, disciple of Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, who is looking after more than 78 educational institutions in different areas of Garhwal.

The function started with the recital of Saraswati Vandana by the students of Doon School Academy. After the inaugural speech, M.M. Tayal, the President of Doon Citizens Council, read out the works done by the Council throughout the year. The speaker requested lateron a member of the Council to read out the historic background of the awardees. In his speech he mentioned that Swami Vishweshwarananda was active in the field of electronics, was a pilot, and was deeply dedicated to the works of his Master Shri Swami Omkarananda. Swamiji sent him to India with the vision to motivate and improve the education in Uttaranchal. In a short span of time, the Omkarananda Ashram was developed in an unbelievable fast way and numerous of great institutions went to their credit. Swami Omkarananda in a message declared Swami Vishweshwarananda as His Successor.

Above: Swami Vishveshwarananda receiving the 'Pride of Uttaranchal' Award from the Forest Minister of Uttaranchal... Right: ...and the beautifully framed citation from the Doon Citizens Council.

Swami Omkarananda writes regarding Swami Vishweshwarananda:

'His Name signifies the Happiness of Lord Siva Vishwanatha of Varanasi, of Sivananda Ashram's Vishwanatha Temple and of Omkarananda Ashram's Dipeshwara Temple. He is an Akhanda Brahmachari, one who has embodied in himself from childhood and youthhood unbroken principle of Brahmacharya. He has received Sannyasa Diksha from Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati. Pancha Tantra says, 'He is not a Saint in truth, who is not a Saint in youth.' Vishveshwarananda is a Karma Yogi by temper, character and choice and bears in his heart uncompromising and total Devotion to his Gurudev. From 1967 to 1982 he has rendered distinguishing services to Omkarananda's European Ashrams. In 1982 he was sent to Himalayas, Muni-ki-Reti, Rishikesh. Within a short time he has created a large new field of activities - the Ashram Temples for the Sadhakas, schools for the students, and buildings for the resident Swamis, Teachers and Professors. In a hilly region, which is a world of Sadhus, Sannyasis and Mahatmas, he discovered education as the greatest need, and has been ably fulfilling this need much to the joy of over a thousand families. He is self-effacing and has no ambition to be the succeeding President from his present Vice-President position. Yet from the standpoint of the institution, he is the Successor.'

After the citation concerning Swamiji was read out, the honourable Minister of Forest, Mr. Navprabhat, handed over the prestigious award to Swami Vishweshwarananda. The 'cadar'* and a big, nicely framed certificate 'Pride of Uttaranchal' were offered by Mr. M.M. Tayal, the President of the Council, to Swamiji. Swami Vishweshwarananda was requested to address the audience. In his speech, he thanked the people of the Council for their recognition of his activities and for regarding him in providing him with such a prestigious award. In his speech, Swami Vishweshwarananda expressed great happiness that the award was presented on 25th of December, which was actually the birthday of Gurudev Swami Omkarananda. He felt that the deserving credit for this award should go to Swami Omkarananda. He said further, that whatever has been established and whatever contribution has been given, is thanks to Gurudev Swami Omkarananda.

Further Swami Vishweshwarananda emphasized the value of the great culture of India, which he said is second to none in the world, a culture which is, was and will always be. He felt sorry that many people are turning one-sidedly towards the West, when the country of India has been blessed by the greatest Saints, Sages and wise men. Swami Vishweshwarananda is of the firm opinion that India with her mystical powers, is the leading country of the whole world. When in Europe the philosophy ends, in India it starts, he remarked. He emphasized very much the need of great spiritual awareness. He however felt that lack of proper care for environment is painful to see and should be taken more care of.

The audience was highly appreciating the views of Swami Vishweshwarananda and many of them felt that he is the deserving personality for the 'Pride of Uttaranchal' award.

This event was broadcasted all over India in the Doordarshan TV.

____________________
* 'cadar' = shawl of honour