UK Parliament gives Pride of India award to Pranav Pandya

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, July 30

The British Parliament has bestowed the prestigious Pride of India award upon upon Dr Pranav Pandya for his contribution to the fields of spirituality, social service, disaster relief aid and education.

On Pandya’s behalf, Dr Amal Kumar Dutta received the award and citation at the British Parliament auditorium yesterday. The Indian Ambassador to the United Kingdom was present on the occasion.

Pandya, who is also the pro vice chancellor of Dev Sanskriti University, told The Tribune that the award was a recognition of not only his efforts but also of all those people who contributed to or got associated with Gayatri Teerth Shantikunj, Dev Sanskriti University.

“One person can’t work for social causes on a large scale as cooperation, support and voluntary efforts from others too are required. This award is the recognition of all such people who worked for various social causes, rescue and relief operations, the education sector and helped poor and downtrodden people of society. The British Parliament recognized these efforts and I thank it from the core of my heart as the award motivates not only me but all at Shantikunj and Dev Sanskriti University to work for all human beings,” said Pandya.

Pandya referred to the deep influence of Gayatri Shantikunj founder Pt Shri Ram Sharma Acharya on him and said what he is today was due to Ram Sharma Acharya as the latter showed him the path of truth and social service.

The award comes with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, which Pandya has announced he would donate to Shri Ved Mata Gayatri Trust for spiritual and social works. Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has extend his wishes to Pandya on recognition of his works by the British Parliament.

Haridwar MLA Madan Kaushik said Pandya was the pride of the country and he had made Gayatri Teerth Shantikunj, Dev Sanskriti University and Gayatri Vidyapeeth globally acclaimed institutions.