The Annual Scheme of Awards constitutes a major part of the activities of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur. From a modest beginning of awards only for scholars in Udaipur, the orbit of this Annual Scheme of Awards has steadily grown to become a recognised event in the national and international arena. Today, the Awards honour recognition of service of permanent value already rendered to society in which, eminent scholars, students and common citizens who, through their chosen field of activity, have contributed to society. They include awards for historical research, art and painting, music and dance, education and journalism, and a variety of other contributions to social welfare. In addition, the Foundation set up a number of subsidiary trusts for religious and charitable purposes to give assistance without distinction of caste or creed or religion. The present custodian Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar has since, added considerably to his inherited legacy, extending the scope and size of the various charities operated by the trust.

On the evening of Saturday the 5th March 2016 School Orchestra of Maharana Mewar Public School, Udaipur followed by Performance by Mr. Prahlad Singh Tipaniya, Ujjain, Indian Folk Vocalist at The Manek Chowk, Udaipur

Colonel James Tod Award
The Colonel James Tod Award is an International Award that has been instituted to honour a foreign national who, like Tod, has contributed through his works of permanent value an understanding of the spirit and values of Mewar. Colonel Tod spent a great deal of time and personal resources in the collection of historical documents, inscriptions, bardic accounts and genealogies of the Rajput houses and paintings from Rajasthan. When he returned to England Colonel Tod continued his research, culminating in the publication of Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan (2 vols, 1829, 1832).

This year's awardees’, Mr. J. P. Losty was presented with A Ceremonial Shawl, A “Toran” plaque of honour, A Citation Certificate and a cash award of Rs. 1,11001.

Mr. J. P. Losty is a leading authority on painting in India. He spent his professional career in the British Library in London curating the major collections of Indian manuscripts and paintings held there and is the author of numerous books and papers. He has organised several major exhibitions, the first of which, The Art of the Book in India in 1982, brought him international recognition. One of the great preoccupations of his career was properly publishing the great illustrated Ramayana manuscripts of Rana Jagat Singh I of Udaipur, Mewar, most of them in the British Library, which bore fruit finally in a major exhibition and book in 2008 and the publication of the entire manuscript online in 2014.

He studied for an MA at Oxford in 1970 where he researched Sanskrit dramatic literature on the Ramayana story in 1969-70; he was a Commonwealth Scholar in India and pursued studies in Sanskrit literature and philosophy at the Deccan College, University of Poona, India from 1967-69; and studied for his BA in Sanskrit and Old Iranian at the University of Oxford under Professor Thomas Burrow 1964-67.

He worked as Assistant Keeper (Curator) in the Asian departments of the British Library from 1971 to 2005. First in charge of the Sanskrit manuscripts and books, he found himself increasingly drawn to the illustrated manuscripts and then to Indian painting in general. He organised the British Library exhibition (as part of the London Festival of India 1982) The Art of the Book in India and wrote the accompanying book in 1982. In 2000 he arranged the digitization of 15,000 drawings, prints and photographs of India and South Asia for the British Library website. He organised the British Library exhibition titled 'The Ramayana: Love and Valour in Ancient India - the Mewar Ramayana Manuscripts' and wrote the accompanying book'. He was consultant to the British Library/CSMVS Mumbai digitization project of The Mewar Ramayana Manuscripts from 2013-14.

His major publications include The Art of the Book in India, British Library, London 1982; Indian Paintings in the British Library, Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi 1985; Indian Book Painting, British Library, London 1986; Manuscript Paintings from the Ramayana, with N. Poovaya-Smith and Jane Bevan; Bradford Museums and Art Galleries, Bradford 1989;The Ramayana: Love and Valour in India's Great Epic - the Mewar Ramayana Manuscripts, British Library, London 2008; Mughal India: Art, Culture and Empire - Manuscripts and Paintings in the British Library, with Roy, M., British Library, London, 2012.

His selected papers relevant to Mewar are: 'The Jagat Singh Valmiki-Ramayana manuscript from Udaipur, Bulletin of the International Association of the Vrindaban Research Institute, v.4, 1978 pp. 3-14; 'Clarence Comyn Taylor: the first photographer in Udaipur and Nepal', History of Photography, v. 16, 1992, pp. 318-35; 'Sahib Din's Book of Battles: Rana Jagat Singh's Yuddhakanda', Ramayana in Art and Culture, ed. V. Dehejia, Bombay, 1994, pp. 101-16; 'Aurangabad or Mewar? The influence of the Deccan on Rana Jagat Singh's Ramayana of 1649-53', Indian Painting: Essays in honour of Karl J. Khandalavala, ed. B.N., Gosvami, New Delhi, 1995, pp. 290-315; 'A Hitopadesha Manuscript of 1761-62 from Uniara', in Court Painting in Rajasthan, ed. A. Topsfield, Bombay, 2000, pp. 109-122; 'Indian Portraiture in the British Period 1760-1860' in The Indian Portrait 1560-1860, ed. Rosemary Crill and Kapil Jariwala, National Portrait Gallery, London, 2010; 'Indian Painting from 1500-1575' in Beach, M.C., Fischer, E., and Goswamy, B.N., Masters of Indian Painting, Artibus Asiae, Zurich, 2011, pp. 67-76; 'Indian Painting from 1730-1825' in Beach, M.C., Fischer, E., and Goswamy, B.N., Masters of Indian Painting, Artibus Asiae, Zurich, 2011, pp. 579-94.

Over his long career he has published voluminously on many aspects of Indian manuscripts and paintings of different periods from 1000 to 1850 AD. He has made significant contributions to the study of painting in Mewar and at other courts in Rajasthan.

Haldi Ghati Award
In the valley of Haldi Ghati in 1576 A.D. Kunwar Man Singh of Amber led the Mughal armies against Rana Pratap who on his incomparable white stallion Chetak carried the crimson banner of Mewar into the thrust of the battle. For the first time in fifty years the Mughals suffered a setback and Haldi Ghati shattered the myth of their invincibility.

Rana Pratap is a national hero on account of his commitment to preserve the independence of Mewar, at any cost, despite heavy odds stacked against him. Even now his life inspires those who revere the values of living with self-respect and self-reliance.

The Haldi Ghati Award is a National Award. It is awarded to an individual for work of permanent value in awakening society through the medium of journalism, in particular, or through any other media in general. It is in this spirit that the National Award was instituted in 1982.

Mr. Rahul Kanwal, was presented with a ceremonial shawl, a “Toran” plaque of honour, a citation certificate and a Cash award of Rs. 51,001.

Mr. Rahul Kanwal, A hard hitting investigative journalist for whom the world is his Newsroom.

Rahul Kanwal is the Managing Editor of TV Today Network, which runs India Today and Aajtak news channels. Rahul is the anchor of Newsroom, a flagship prime time broadcast on India Today TV. He also hosts the popular Hindi interview show Seedhi Baat over the weekends on Aajtak. Rahul is the driving force behind some of the most significant investigative stories that have been aired by the India Today group.

Rahul's forte is as a reporter and investigator par excellence. He loves to put himself in the heart of a live, breaking story by reporting from ground zero. Whether it is the devastating earthquake in Nepal, the floods in Kashmir or the deadly cloud burst in Uttarakhand, Rahul goes where the news is, breaking the monotony of TV discussions by giving a viewers a ringside view of the story as it unfolds, from where it unfolds.

Over the past few months, Rahul Kanwal and his team of reporters have done stellar work in exposing the Great Indian Dal Scam, the corruption in the Food and Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the blatant violation of the Supreme Court's orders on the green tax in the capital. Most recently, the India Today Special Investigation Team has put out a series of exposes on the controversy at the Jawahar Lal Nehru University, which played an important role in balancing the shrill narrative which was being built by some vested interests in the patriotism versus free speech debate.

In his 16 year career, Rahul has often taken on the high and the mighty and exposed the wrong doings of some of the most powerful people in the country. It was under Rahul's leadership that the Nira Radia tapes first came to light and also the saffron terror conspiracy was unravelled.

Before his current assignment, Rahul was the Editor of Headlines Today for five years. During this period he built Headlines Today into a force to reckon with in the English news space. Prior to that he was a Special Correspondent with Aajtak. He covered Defence and External Affairs and anchored the 9 PM news on India's most watched news channel.

Rahul has studied Journalism at Delhi University. He's also a Chevening scholar and has studied broadcast journalism at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom. Rahul has also done a course in hostile environment journalism in the United Kingdom.

Rahul is an avid sports enthusiast and loves to play tennis, squash and badminton in his free time. He is also fond of skiing and kayaking.

Rahul believes journalism should not fall into the trap of peddling ideologies and must stay true to its motto of speaking truth to power, no matter how uncomfortable that truth may seem.

Hakim Khan Sur Award
Hakim Khan Sur was a Pathan who came to Mewar from the Deccan. He became a general in Rana Pratap's army and fought to uphold the freedom and beliefs of his adopted home in the epic battle of Haldi Ghat (1576 A.D.) against the invading Mughal army of Emperor Akbar. Despite being a follower of Islam he was the first to lay down his life in battle fighting the Mughal army thereby fulfilling his commitment to uphold the freedom and honour of his chosen homeland, Mewar.

His sacrifice is symbolic of the supremacy of ideology over religious and communal consideration – a unique example of his belief in the principles and commitment of unquestionable loyalty and devotion to Manav Dharma.

The Hakim Khan Sur Award is National Award. This award has been instituted to honour work of permanent value for the cause of national integration. It is in this spirit the National Award was instituted in 1986.

Mr. Prasoon Joshi was presented a ceremonial shawl, a “Toran” plaque of honour, a citation certificate and a cash award of Rs. 51,001.  

Mr. Prasoon Joshi. National Award Winner, an acclaimed Advertising industry Leader, Prasoon exemplifies the rare breed of creativity and leadership.

An Advertising and Communication icon who has built Mega brands, a Writer who has been honoured with the prestigious National award by the President of India, garnered glory at International Awards like Cannes, D&Ad, Clio, Media, Adfest, and plethora of others.

He has authored 4 books as well, his first at the age of 17.

Prasoon has also been designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

He was the Jury President of the Cannes International Festival, 2014 for its Titanium Category. He is the First Asian to be honoured so.

He is currently the Chairman of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and its' CEO in India.

He is credited with marrying creativity with scale and giving McCann's work in India a distinct cultural edge. His work, be it mainstream brands like Coca Cola, Mastercard, J&J , Perfetti, Nestle, GM, Metlife, Pears, Star TV, Maggi relaunch, or national ones like NDTV, Marico, Dabur, Britannia has gone on to make impact on the minds and in the market. His socially relevant campaigns like Malnutrition Polio eradication, Women empowerment Ministry of Tourism, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan (Clean India) have all won accolades and found deep and powerful consumer connect. He was also one of the key architects for the National Election campaign of 2014. His creativity as a Writer -Poet permeates the arena of Indian Feature Films where he is a celebrated and award winning Song and Screenwriter for films like Taare Zameen Par, Rang De Basanti, Fanaa, Hum Tum, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and many more.

Prasoon is also a columnist of branding and social issues. Leading business publications and regional dailies carry his articles.

In 2015 Prasoon was conferred the prestigious Padma Award by the Government of India. Prasoon was cited for his cultural contributions to poetry, cinema and communications.

Through his multifaceted pursuits and Content creation across the fields of Advertising, Writing and Music he has positively impacted the public consciousness and has emerged as an iconic socio cultural voice that resonates across segments.

He is widely recognized as one of the most unique voices making its mark in this complex landscape by integrating nation and character building activities through the medium of Poetry, Films, Lyrics, Cause based and other media communications. His distinguished service of permanent value to society on issues of national concern and integrating these issues which reflect specially through his poems. In 2008 he wrote after the Mumbai terror attacks 'Is baar nahin' for which he says that "I believe it should reach as many people as possible because it is our collective pain and voice"; in 2014 he penned a poem to pay homage to the Peshawar massacre victims titled "Samjho Kuchh Galat hai". He is known for showcasing a strong character in society which amalgamates youth into nation building projects, activities and issues.

Maharana Udai Singh Award
The tumultuous life of Maharana Udai Singh (1537-1572 A.D.) stands in marked contrast to the tranquility and beauty of the City that today bears his name. After narrowly escaping an assassination attempt, Udai Singh lived for years in exile in Kumbhalgarh. In 1553 he founded the City of Udaipur and began to build a new palace on the shores of Lake Pichola. Thus, Udaipur became the new capital of Mewar.

At the beginning of the 21st century, we are standing at the cutting edge of urbanization, growth and development. In the 20th century, much of this development has been a product of unplanned haphazard growth which has lead to environmental degradation. The issues of development and maintenance of environmental balance are inextricable linked. Environmental growth has been a central tradition to the House of Mewar.

The Maharana Udai Singh Award is a National Award. This award has been instituted to honour work of permanent value in protecting and enriching the environment, hand-in-hand with future development. It is in this spirit that the National Award was instituted in 1996.

Ms. Amla Ashok Ruia was presented with a ceremonial shawl, a “Toran” plaque of honour, a citation certificate and a cash award of Rs 51,001.

Ms. Amla Ashok Ruia has transformed the face of over 100 villages in Rajasthan by using traditional water harvesting techniques and building check dams. This is the story of how she made it all possible by engaging the local community and generating an income of Rs. 300 crores per annum for 2 lakh villagers.

It is not unusual to see dry and deserted farms in Rajasthan. But there are some villages where water is no longer a problem, farmers are growing not one but three crops a year, and households are even earning additional income from animal husbandry.

Amla Ruia known as 'Water Mother' brought water to hundreds of villages in Rajasthan through her initiative. A Mumbai-based social activist founded Aakar Charitable Trust (ACT) to translate her thoughts into action and started researching the water troubles of Rajasthan. Amla was motivated to support villages who suffered from severe drought. She said, "I saw the government providing water tankers to meet the water needs of the villagers. But I thought to myself that this was not a sustainable solution…there must be a more permanent solution that could help the farmers in the long term". "Rajasthan farmers are among the poorest in the country. Using rain water harvesting technology to alleviate the situation seemed like a good choice. It was important to involve the local community and engage them to make our model more sustainable," she says.

Amla started her work by constructing check dams near the villages. Check dams, also known as khadin, are structures that involve comparatively small masonry constructions and extensive earthen bunds. Her first project in Mandawar Village in District Dausa, Rajasthan was a great success and the farmers managed to earn as much as Rs. 12 crore within a year with the help of two check dams constructed by the Trust. After that, there was no looking back. ACT works by getting the community on board for each project. Almost 40 percent of the cost of construction is borne by the farmers. The construction of one check dam costs around Rs. 5 lakhs and can increase depending upon the size of the dam. "We were sure that the projects would be successful only if the farmers contributed. We involved the farmers at every step, from sharing the cost to construction and even maintenance. This is how they get a sense of ownership," she says. Another success story lies with small village of Gadrata and its hamlets (overall about 50-55 families) in the Sikar District of Rajasthan. It wasn't easy to achieve these results. Many villagers would often back out of their commitments in the middle of the construction of check dams and ACT had to bear the majority of the costs. Many times, government intervention also created hurdles in the operations but the team kept going despite these challenges.

In 2011, she was awarded a Lakshmipat Singhania - IIM, Lucknow National Leadership Award in the category of Community Service and Social Upliftment. She was also awarded Shekhwati Jal Biradari - 'Jalmata 2002'; Rajasthani Mahila Mandal - Nari Ratna 2009, Kolkata; Bhamashah Seva Samman 2009 and recently New Indian Express - Devi Award 2016.

In the future, Amla and her team want to also expand their efforts to other States. Much work has already been accomplished in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The organisation is now working in the backward Dantevada District of Chhattisgarh.

Panna Dhai Award
Panna Dhai was a dhai or foster mother to the young prince of Mewar Kunwar Udai Singh, the rightful successor to the Gaddi, of Mewar. Banbir, who was an outsider, wanted to usurp this position and remove all impediments including young Kunwar. One night, Banbir entered the quarters of Kunwar Udai Singh, determined to eliminate him. Panna Dhai had suspecting malicious intentions placed her own child in the bed of the young prince. Her fierce loyalty extended far beyond any call of duty. The House of Mewar will always be indebted to her.

The Panna Dhai Award is a National Award. It has been instituted to honour a person who ventures beyond the call of duty in the face of immense hostility and sets an example in society of permanent value through sacrifice. It is in this spirit that the National Award was instituted in 1997.

Ms. Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha was presented with a ceremonial shawl, a “Toran” plaque of honour, a Citation Certificate and a cash award of Rs. 51,001.

Ms. Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha (born 27 June 1964), popularly known as P. T. Usha, is an Indian track and field athlete from the state of Kerala. She is regarded as one of the greatest athletes India has ever produced and is often called the "Queen of Indian track and field". On the track Usha represents the spirit of a great nation. Her story is one of talent, sacrifice, grit and determination.

In 1979 P. T. Usha participated in the National School Games, where she was noticed by O. M. Nambiar who has coached her throughout her career. Her international debut was as the youngest Indian sprinter, aged 16, to compete in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In 1982 New Delhi Asian games, she won a silver medal in the 100m and 200m. At the Asian Track and Field Championship in Kuwait a year later, Usha won gold in the 400m with a new Asian record. At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, she finished first in the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles, but narrowly missed a medal in the finals. She won 5 gold medals at the 6th Asian Track and Field Championship in Jakarta in 1985. In the 10th Asian Games 1986 held at Seoul, she won 4 gold medals and 1 silver medal in the track and field events. Remarkably she has won 103 international and 1000+ national medals between1974 and 2000.

In 1985, she was conferred the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award. In 2000 P. T. Usha awarded 'Best Sports Women of the Century' by the Indian Olympic Association.

Usha has changed the mindset of Indian athletes from "Can we do it?" to "We will do it!". She has said "After many years of experience in athletics, I am convinced that what we lack in India is not talent, but the basic, modern and scientific facilities. If we train our young Indian sports talent, nothing, not even Olympic medals are unachievable". The Usha School of Athletics was formally inaugurated on 29th May 2002 at Koyilandy, District Calicut, Kerala. In May 2008 Usha School of Athletics shifted from Koyilandy to Kinalur, District Calicut, Kerala supported by The Government of Kerala and other institutions.

From a humble start, selfless service and limited resources the school is now providing coaching and training, under her personal guidance to 18 girls free of charge. The training, devised with the help of internationally acclaimed experts includes study, exercise, dietary and psychological counselling. The outstanding performance of USHA students at national and state championships is leading to more medals being won at National Meets, Asian Games, World Junior Championships and the Olympics. First victory came in 2006 at Doha Asian Games winning gold in 4x400m relay and in the same year at national level 5 gold and 2 silver medals were won at the 53rd National School Games held at Kolkata. In the 70th All India Inter University Athletic meet in 2009 Ms. Tintu Luka a student of USHA held two records (the 800m, 400m) and went on to smash a 15 year old national record. In 2012 Tintu Luka participated in London Olympics and was semi finalist in the 800m. She won a silver medal in the 800m and gold medal in 4x400m relay in 16th Asian Games 2014 held at Taipei City. She is now training for the 2016 Olympics. Amongst her other students, Ms. Jessy Joseph, Ms. Jisna Mathew, Ms. Abita Mary Manuel, Ms. Shaharbana Siddique, Ms. C. Shilpa, Ms Aswathi Mohan are internationals athletes who have won 36 medals representing India and received several awards and accolades nationally & internationally. The Usha School of Athletics is training today's youth into tomorrow's achievers.

P. T. Usha's dedication to developing the talent of young women's interest in Sport goes beyond the call of duty and she has set an example to society of permanent value. She says "Everyone thinks that bagging an Olympic medal is a difficult task. It is not. I would have certainly made it in the Los Angeles Olympics if I had a little more exposure in the 400m hurdles. Considering my limited exposure, I did well as I had participated only in two races before I went to Los Angeles. It was lack of experience in the 400m hurdles that cost me the gold medal. If India goes for a real, systematic and scientific approach, I am sure my country has a great athletic future..."

Maharishi Harit Rashi Award
Maharishi Harit Rashi Award is a State Award. This award has been instituted to honour scholars for work of permanent value in awakening society through the medium of Vedic culture, the ancient 'Shastras' and 'Karma Kand'.

Prof. (Ms.) Laxmi Sharma and Brahmarshi Vaidhya Pandit Narayan Sharma Kaushik were presented a ceremonial shawl, a  “Toran” plaque of honour, a citation certificate and a cash award of Rs 25,001 each*.

Prof. (Ms.) Laxmi Sharma was born in Jaipur on 15 September 1951. She has had 35 years of teaching experience at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. She has specialized in Ved-Vigyan, Sanskrit Sahitya and Vyakaran. During her period of service she has successfully completed 4 major projects, the UGC Project on Vyakaran - 2001, UGC Project on Sahitya - 2009, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan project on Vyakaran - 2012 and Emeritus Fellowship Project of UGC on Yagya Vigyan allotted by UGC from 2013 -2015.

After her retirement she was awarded an Emeritus Fellowship by UGC (1st Time in Sanskrit - University of Rajasthan, Jaipur). Her laudable achievement was working with the Department of Sanskrit, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur in collaboration with the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi who had organized an International Sanskrit Conference with the participation of 10 Vice-Chancellors from different Universities and 550 delegates from India and abroad. The theme of the Conference was "Universal Vision of Sanskrit Intellectuals" held from 18 - 20 July 2009.

Professor Sharma was one of the key team members who worked painstakingly to materialize the dream of having an independent majestic building dedicated by a charitable trust to Sanskrit learning and research work at the University of Rajasthan. Her 45 research papers were published in different Magazines and Research Journals.

In recognition of her work she was honoured by Sanskrit Vidushi Sammaan, for Sanskrit Diwas by Education Minister on behalf of Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur 2008; Brahm Vidushi Sammaan by Sarva Brahaman Samaj, Rajasthan, Jaipur 2009; Ved Vidya Sammaan by Madhusudan Sevaashram, Alwar 2010; Brahamirishi Honour received from all Rajasthan Brahmin Association, Jaipur 2012.

Brahmarshi Vaidhya Pandit Narayan Sharma Kaushik, born in Merta City, Nagaur, Rajasthan on the 8th October 1953.

He completed his post graduation in the Arts and gained many degrees including M.Com, BSTC, B.Ed, Ph.D, M.Ed and BJMC during his career.

In 1975 he started publishing a number of magazines, Vedang Jyoti Patrika, Saalasar Panchang etc. His pioneering work includes Jyotish Shastra Ki Vidya and for the last last 31 years his monthly magazines have been published regularly.

He has received many awards as recognition for his contribution in the field of Jyotish Vidhya. These include Sanskrit Pratibha Samman by Nimabark Vedic Sanskrit Samithi, Bhilwara, Rajasthan in 2012; Nimabark Bhushan Award; Sahitya Ratna by Sahitiyik Sanskritik Kala Sangam Academy and honoured with the title of “Jyotisha – Ayurveda –Acharaya”. He has also received several felicitation certificates from various institutions and organizations.

Maharana Mewar Award
Maharana Mewar Award is a State Award. This award has been instituted to honour work of permanent value to those who consider it their duty, like the Diwan of Shree Eklingnath ji, to serve society through services in the field of education, literature, social services, philanthropy and character building activities.

Dr. Laxman Singh Rathore was presented with a ceremonial shawl, a  “Toran” plaque of honour, a Citation certificate and a cash award of Rs. 25,001.

Dr. Laxman Singh Rathore, born on 4 July, 1954 is an Indian scientist. He is Director General of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Permanent Representative of India with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations. He is Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Board for Climate Services, United Nations. He served as Chairman of the Governing Council of SAARC Meteorological Research Centre, Dhaka.

Dr. Rathore obtained his secondary and senior secondary school education from Chopasani School, Jodhpur and Bachelor Degree from Bhupal Nobles College, University of Udaipur, Rajasthan. He completed his M.Sc. (Agriculture) and Ph.D. in Soil Science & Agriculture Chemistry from Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur.

Rathore has made a significant contribution to the Public Weather System and played a leading role in setting up the weather based agricultural advisory service in India. By communicating the progress and severity of Cyclone Phailin and Cyclone Hudhud to the media, warnings were given and many lives and properties were saved. The application of meteorological information in various economic activities including agriculture has been globally recognized and many Afro-Asian countries are taking assistance from India in these areas.

Dr. Rathore is former President of Indian Meteorological Society and President of Association of Agro-meteorologists. He has had 35 years of experience in managing meteorological services and research relating to weather prediction, synoptic meteorology and agro-meteorology during which he published about 100 research papers and 7 books. He served as Chief Editor for India's leading journal on meteorology & geophysics "Mausam"; Chief Editor of Bulletin of Indian Meteorological Society "Vayu Mandal" and associated with Italian Journal of Agro-meteorology.

He participated in the third Indian scientific expedition to Antarctica in 1983-84 which set up the first Indian base station on the southern pole region. He has been awarded and honoured by several accolades including the 'Marwar Ratna (Rao Sihaji) Award, Jodhpur; Dr. Lakhi Ram Memorial Award; IHCL 2013 Award and Shri Sultan Singh Memorial Award.

He was conferred with a Fellowship by Indian Meteorological Society for his distinguished work in promoting meteorological service in country.

Maharana Kumbha Award

Maharana Kumbha is a State Award instituted to honour works of permanent value to society through the medium of history and literature. This year it was awarded to Dr. Devi Lal Paliwal and Dr. Mr. Tej Singh Tarun.

Dr. Devi Lal Paliwal, a renowned historian of Rajasthan was born at Rajsamand to a modest Brahmin family in 1929.

After his schooling at Kankroli, Rajsamand he left his native town against the wishes of his father to pursue his academic career and complete his graduation later gaining a MA and Ph.D in History from Rajasthan University, Jaipur.

He initially worked as Professor of History at Shramjeevi College, Udaipur before taking up a much sought after appointment as Director, Rajasthan Sahitya Academy at Udaipur. While working as a Director he was granted a Senior Research Fellowship from University Grants Commission, New Delhi. During this period he was also appointed Editor of Shodh Patrika from 1996 to 1985.

Dr. Devi Lal has always been an avid reader, research scholar and written several books and articles on History. His main focus has been on the History of Mewar; the relationship of the Mewar Rulers with then British Rulers and Maharana Pratap. He has given lectures on many occasions on historical topics and other subjects at various public forums and given several Radio and TV Talks.

His book entitled 'Maharana Pratap Mahan' has been widely applauded with several editions printed and used as reference material by research scholars. He has written and edited several books - Maharana Pratap Mahan (First Edition) - 1994; Shakti Singh and Bohera Thikane Ka Itihaas - 1995; Panarva Ka Solanki Rajvansh - 2000; History of Bohera Shaktawat Thikana - 2004 and Jawas Ke Pamecha Khinchi Chauhan - 2006; Mewar and the British (1857 -1921); Mewar through the ages; Prachin Dingel Kavya mein Maharana Pratap; Maharana Pratap Smriti Granth; Haldighati Yudh etc. Dr. Lal has been awarded and honored by various institutions including All India Award by Dr. Raghuvir Singh Natnagar Shodh Sansthan.

Mr. Tej Singh Tarun was born at Bijoliya, Bhilwara, Rajasthan in 1941. With 18 years of experience in the field of education Mr. Tarun has been working and contributing to the wealth of literature. During his early career he was a Lecturer at Nehru Teachers College, Hindon City, Karauli; Nimbark Teachers Training College, Udaipur and Lokmanya Tilak Teachers College, Udaipur for a short time.

Mr. Tarun was also Editor of Jai Rajasthan (Dainik), Udaipur for a year; the monthly magazines Tarun Ostwal Udaipur for 8 years and Bappa Rawal for 10 years. He was Secretary, Bhartiya Sahitya Academy, Rajasthan; Member of Rajasthan Sahitya Academy; Secretary, Jagrut Sahitya Academy.

His pioneering work comprising of several publications included Bijoliya ka Itihas, Rajasthan ke Surma, Bharat Mukh Se Bol Raha Hai, Balak Ho To Aisa, Mewar Gaurav, Madhumati, Rastradharma, Trividha, Dharmayoga, Nav Bharat Times, Bal Bharti, Champak, Nandan, Champa Ka Balidaan, Rajkumari Krishana, Maati Ki Pooja, Kadambani, Veer Arjun, Bappa Rawal, Nav Jivan, Amar Ujala etc.

Mr. Tarun has been awarded and honored by several literary societies. He has received Acharya Shanti Sagar Smriti Puruskar, Uttar Pradesh in 1992; He has been felicitated by West Zone Culture Centre, Udaipur in 1992 and awarded by Rajasthan Yuva Parishad, Bombay in 2003. He has received commendation from Rajasthan Sahityakar Parishad, Beawar - 1969, Sahityakar Parishad, Beghu - 1979, Pathik Sahitya Puruskar from Sanskar Bharti, Bijoliya - 2013.

Maharana Sajjan Singh Award

Maharana Sajjan Singh Award is a State Award instituted to honour work of permanent value to society through the medium of paintings, fine art, sculpture, architecture and craft. This year it was conferred to Mr. Akash Choyal.

Born on February 1974 to a family of contemporary artists Mr. Akash Choyal earned his degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts from M.S. University, Vadodara and later post graduated from College of Arts, New Delhi.

Akash Choyal has been known in the Indian art world for his vision and his confrontation with the real and the imaginary. During his artistic journey he has persistently remained a non conformist delving deep into his own fantasy world that still captures the imagination. Akash is a painter, printmaker, sculptor, photographer, videographer, and a futurist and above all loves dance and music. His concept of space is quite unconventional and his use of three dimensional-cum-relief like pictorial surfaces is his forte. Akash loves to play with human forms. These human forms are fractured, mutilated, attenuated, metamorphosed and all of them dramatically transcend to the metaphysical. His images flow as signs and signals emerging through incidents, narrating stories and floating in an ambience of surreal world which engulfs him perpetually.

Akash has been honored with the Central Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi award for his 3D Triograph in 2010 that was exhibited in a show at the Louvre Museum, Paris. In 2007 he received Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy - Painting (State award); 2005 'Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy' - Painting (all India); 2001-2002 'Lalit Kala research grant awards', New Delhi and 2001 'Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy' - Printmaking (State award).

Akash's major exhibitions are Solo shows held internationally and nationally at the 'India Art Fair' 2012; SALON 2010, de la Nationale des Beaux-Arts at Carrousel Du Louvre, Salle Le Notre organized by SNBA, France; London- Mayfair - Russian Eastern and Oriental Fair, London 2010; "Edition-Ally-Yours" Edition Art Fair, Busan, South Korea 2010; "La Danse Des Couleurs" La Rotonde des Arts Contemporains, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Africa 2010.

He recently organized an exhibition entitled 'Three Generations' Group show that included work of his late grand-father Shri P. N. Choyal, father and mother Shri Shail Choyal - Smt. Surjeet Choyal at The City Palace Museum, Udaipur in 2016.

He has attended and participated in many camps and workshops organized by Lalit Kala Academy and Art Galleries. He has worked on different mediums including fibre constructions, beads, etchings, paintings, Papier-mâché, paperboards, triograph, video art and sculpture.

As a modernist Akash Choyal has successfully formed his own contemporary language of art that, as a professional artist has taken him on a search for new aesthetics.

Dagar Gharana Award
Dagar Gharana Award is a State Award named after the illustrious House of Dagar who made Dhrupad and Dhammar Gayaki their personal and identifiable symbol of excellence in Indian classical music. This award was instituted to honour musicians for work of permanent value to society through their achievements in the field of Indian classical music, Rajasthani folk dance and music.

This year the award was conferred to Mr. Prahlad Singh Tipaniya

Mr. Prahlad Singh Tipaniya is one of the most compelling folk voices of Kabir in India today who combines singing with the meaning of Kabir in the Malwi folk style from Madhya Pradesh.

Prahladji was born in the small village of Lunyakhedi, District Ujjain in 1954. He came from a modest background. His parents, Atmaramji and Sampatbai Tipaniya, had not had the opportunity of education. After going to live with his maternal grandparents in Manpur, near Indore, he studied hard and went on to achieve an M.A. in History, after which he became a government school teacher. Today he is Headmaster at Kanasiya Middle School for Girls.

He combines a powerful singing style with a magnetic ability to communicate with his audiences. His concerts are more than entertainment music. They are deep engagements with the spiritual and social thoughts of Kabir. In Malwa he is not only admired as a singer, but also revered as one who propagates, with great personal intensity and engagement, the messages of Kabir. His concerts rise above petty divisiveness, sectarianism, empty ritualism and hypocrisy, with the need to adopt love as the ultimate religion.

He has toured extensively in India as well as in the US and UK. His music has been played on the All India Radio Stations in Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Patna, Lucknow and Kanpur. He has received several awards including Malvi Ratna (Malva Mitra Mandal, New Delhi - 1998); Bhajan Bhushan (Akhil Baratiya Kalamanch - 1999); Eesuri Sammaan (Navodit Lok Kala Sansthan Sagar - 1999); Samaj Ratna (Akhil Bhartiya Malviya Boli Samiti - 2000); Bhera Ji Sammaan (Bhera Ji Lok Kala Samiti, Ujjain - 2005); Madhya Pradesh Shikhar Sammaan (Govt. of Madhya Pradesh - 2005); Shreshtha Kala Aacharya (Madhuban Sanstha, Bhopal - 2005); National Award (Sangeet Naatak Academy, New Delhi - 2007 and Padma Shri - Government of India in 2011.

Nominated Guru to teach Nirgun Kabir singing in the Malvi Folk Tradition, in the guru shishya tradition by the Uttar Madhyam Kshetra Sanskriti Kendra in 2008, each year, 4 students are taught Kabir Nirgun.

Rana Punja Award
Rana Punja Award is a State award instituted to honour works of permanent value to society by a person of tribal origin in commemoration of the mutual trust and continued association between the Bhil tribesmen and the House of Mewar.

This year the award was conferred to Mr. Laxman Lal Damor.

Retired Army man Mr. Laxman Lal Damor has earned recognition as 'Mountain Man' of Wagad (local name for Banswara-Dungarpur belt) after he carved out an approach road leading to a hillock in Bhuwali village of Palwada gram panchayat in Dungarpur District. He did this to facilitate transportation of construction material to build toilets in his village under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Presently he is Up-Sarpanch of Palwada.

The Local Administration has embarked on a campaign to make 37 gram panchayats 'open defecation free' and Palwada features in this list. A few houses in the village which are situated on a hillock didn't have an approach road which had been an obstacle in transportation of construction material. Instead of applying for government help, Damor motivated people to collect money to carve out a road for them. A contribution of Rs. 5,000/- from each household was taken and Damor led the construction work himself and worked intensively for two months until finally the road was made. Now, all the households have a toilet. Damor and his followers go around the area every morning to educate people on the hazards of open defecation and teach them about basic sanitation.

He has worked hard to implement and motivate girl's education in the village with remarkable results.

Recently on 26 January 2016 he was felicitated by The District Collector, Dungarpur, Rajasthan.

Aravali Award
Aravali Award is a State Award instituted to honour and encourages outstanding sportsperson for achieving distinction in any discipline of sports and games.

Mr. Rajat Chauhan and Ms. Swati Dudhwal were awarded the Aravali Award for year.

Mr. Rajat Chauhan is an Indian International Archer from Jaipur, Rajasthan.

He created history by winning a silver medal in the World Archery Championships 2015 at Copenhagen, Denmark. Rajat earned India its first-ever individual medal in the World Archery Championships when the compound marksman won silver defeating the favourite Mr. Stephan Hansen in the final. In 2014 he also became the first Indian compound archer to qualify for the Archery World Cup Stage final. Speaking about his love for the game, and how it all started, he said that he was inspired after going to the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur and watching an Archery competition.

He started his training under coach Mr. Dhaneshwar Maida. He passed Class X from Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan, Ajmer and went on to Class XII from NIOS.

He has won many medals at International, National, State and District level championships. He won Individual Gold Medal in 19th Asian Archery Championship 2015 at Bangkok; Team Gold Medal in 19th Asian Archery Championship 2015 at Bangkok; Individual Silver Medal in World Archery Championship 2015 at Copenhagen, Denmark; Team Bronze medal in Archery World Cup Stage1st 2015 at Shanghai, China; Team Gold Medal in 17th Asian Games 2014 at Incheon, Korea; Individual Silver Medal in Youth World Archery Championship 2013 at Wuxi China, Individual Gold Medal in 36th Senior National Archery Championship 2015 at Meerut (UP), Individual Gold Medal in Rajasthan Senior State Archery Championship 2012 at Dholpur.

Born on the 30th December 1994 in Jaipur, Rajasthan at 19, he became the youngest member of the Indian Team and dreamt of becoming an international Archer. He says he was hungry for success and believes that" if you aim for the sky you will land on the stars".

Ms. Swati Dudhwal born on 24th April 1995 at Churu, Rajasthan. She completed her schooling at Churu and Bachelors of Arts from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur in 2015. Presently she is pursuing Master of Arts at University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Swati started her career in Archery in 2011 under the guidance of her coach Mr. Dhaneshwar Maida and made her international debut in 2013. She has become a renowned figure in the field of International / National Archery of India.

She has won many International, National and State Awards due to her commitment and dedication. She won Team Silver Medal in 19th Asian Archery Championship at Bangkok, Thailand in 2015; Individual Bronze Medal in Asian Archery Taipei Open Tournament at Taipei city, Chinese Taipei in 2015; Team Bronze Medal in Youth World Archery Championship 2013, Wuxi China; Team Bronze Medal in 2nd Asian Archery Grand Prix 2013, Mongolia; Mix Team Gold Medal in 35th National Games at Kerala in 2015; Individual Gold Medal in Rajasthan State Archery Championship at Ajmer in 2015; Individual Gold Medal in Rajasthan Junior State Archery Championship at Ajmer in 2015; Individual Gold Medal in Rajasthan Junior State Archery Championship at Nagaur in 2014; Individual Gold Medal in Rajasthan State Archery Championship at Sriganganagar in 2013 and many more.

Swati has presently won around 25 medals in various championships at International and National levels.

She is a passionate sports person who with courage, enthusiasm and commitment to the sport. She is an icon for youth and her country is proud of her achievements.

Special Award
The Special Award was instituted in 1981-82.

Mr. Pushpendra Singh Rathore was awarded the Special Award.

Mr. Pushpendra Singh Rathore is a Deputy Inspector General of the Border Security Force, presently posted at a Subsidiary Training Centre, BSF Indore. Mr. Rathore joined BSF in 1985 as Assistant Commandant Direct Entry Officer. He has served the Nation for the last 29 years posted in the Counter Insurgency prone area of North East, Jammu & Kashmir and other parts India. He has been awarded 13 times by the Director General's Commendation Rolls. While commanding 117 Battalion in 2010, his Battalion won BSF's most prestigious award General Choudhary Trophy among 150 Bns of BSF from all over India. Mr. Rathore led the BSF Foot Contingent during the Delhi Republic Day Parade five times and in 1997 he won best marching contingent trophy. In 2011 he was awarded the President's Police Medal for Meritorious Service. He was also a recipient of a UN Medal in 1994 for his outstanding performance during a UN Mission in Africa.

Mr. Rathore is also an International Golfer. He has participated in World Police & Fire Games five times held at Quebeque (Canada) 2005 – one Silver Medal; British Columbia (Canada), 2009 – two Silver Medals; New York (USA), 2011 – two Gold Medals and recently at Virginia (USA) 2015 – one Gold and two bronze Medals. He also represented India in Basketball and won a Gold Medal in the National Basketball and Silver Medal in National Games. In view of his outstanding performance in Basketball at National and International level in 1985, the Indian Olympic Association awarded Mr. Rathore with an Appreciation for the most upcoming player of Indian Basketball from Rajasthan.

Maharana Mewar Special Award for Best Police Station of Rajasthan was given to the Police Station Sajjangarh, District Banswara, Rajasthan for its achievement and contribution to community policing; police action planning; communal harmony; law and order maintenance as well as programmes through public private partnership.

Bhamashah Award is a State award to honour excellence in students chosen from amongst all the Universities of Rajasthan. 17 students received this award for the academic year 2014-2015.

Maharana Raj Singh Award is a city of Udaipur award. This award was instituted to honour deserving students of universities based within the municipal limits of Udaipur and also students from those colleges who are affiliated to these universities, but are located outside Udaipur, for distinguished achievements in Games and sport, and Cultural, literary, co-curricular and extracurricular activities conducted by a recognised body. 13 students received this award for the academic year 2014-2015.

Maharana Fateh Singh Award is a city of Udaipur Award honouring those students who have passed the exams of Central Board of Secondary Education and Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan from Secondary and Senior Secondary schools located within municipal limits of Udaipur. 54 students received this award for the academic year 2014-2015.