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 09th March 2019 Hindustani Classical Music Concert was organised at Manek Chowk, Udaipur

Colonel James Tod Award
(Instituted in 1996-97)

In 1806, Lieutenant-Colonel (then Lieutenant) James Tod first met Maharana Bheem Singh (r.1778-1828 AD) in the outer courtyard of the temple of Shree Eklingji. Colonel Tod was, at that time, Commander of the Escort with Daulat Rao Scindia's perambulating court. This meeting sparked his interest in the States of Rajputana, and he used his position to acquaint himself wholly with their affairs. Tod was the first to systematically map this region, and his intimate knowledge of the terrain proved extremely useful for the Company's armies in fighting off Pindari and Maratha incursions into Rajputana from 1817-1818.

On the 13th January 1818, the East India Company and Maharana Bheem Singh executed a treaty of mutual friendship, in which the Company promised to provide military protection to Mewar against hostile forces, and to help reclaim lands that had been usurped. In recognition of his services and experience in Rajputana, Colonel (then Captain) Tod was appointed by Lord Hastings, Governor General, as Political Agent to the Western Rajput States, resident at the court of Maharana Bheem Singh in Udaipur. Colonel Tod's official charge was to implement the term of the treaty and to manage the affairs and relations of the British East India Company with Mewar. Colonel Tod executed his duties with skill and authority, leading to flourishing conditions in Mewar, as well as a long and vital relationship between Mewar and the Company. In 1822, after four years service in Udaipur, and twenty-two years total in India, Colonel Tod returned to England.

In addition to his official duties, Colonel Tod spent a great deal of his own time and personal resources in the collection of historical documents, inscriptions, bardic accounts and genealogies of the Rajput houses and paintings from Rajasthan. From his residence in the village Dabok, beyond the outer city wall of Udaipur, now near the airport, Colonel Tod began, for the first time, to synthesize the history of Rajputana. Totally immersed in the activities of the Mewar Court, past and present, he developed a deep insight into the stories of courage, heroism, honour and duty within the history of Mewar. During his second visit he was provided with Rampyaribai's haveli as his residence. Upon his return to England Colonel Tod continued his research, culminating in the publication of the now-classic Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan (2 vols., 1829, 1832). In this seminal work, Colonel Tod produced the first encyclopedic and comprehensive history of Rajasthan. His lesser-known work, Travels in Western India (published posthumously in 1839), chronicles his final days in India travelling from Udaipur to Bombay, via Mount Abu. This interesting and as yet under-appreciated work is also the first to provide indepth descriptions of the religious life and customs of the Bhil and Mina hill tribes of Southern Rajasthan

Colonel Tod's reliance on oral bardic accounts of Mewar's history preserved a valuable, yet vulnerable, corpus of historical source material. In doing so, many say that Colonel Tod is responsible for globally recognising the Rajputs, and especially Mewar. The true value of his work lies in the preservation, in perpetuity, of this grand story for everyone, not only India but the whole world.

His late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar established Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation "to serve society and assist man to realise his special status in the hierarchy of God's creations". Colonel Tod introduced his Annals in the following way: "To see humanity under every aspect, and to observe the influence of different creeds upon man in his social capacity, must ever be one of the highest sources of mental enjoyment". (Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan (1832 II.vii).

It is in the spirit of these like-minded men, centuries apart, that this International Award has been instituted. Colonel James Tod Award is an International Award. This award 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.

This International Annual Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash award of Rs. - 2,11,001

Dr. Paul T. Craddock has had a life-long interest in early technology and science. After graduating in Chemistry at the University of Birmingham in 1966 he joined the Research Laboratory of the British Museum, initially as an analytical chemist. To further his background knowledge he studied archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology and metallurgy at John Cass College in London. The topic of his PhD was the composition of copper alloys in the classical world. He researched metals in the Department of Conservation, Documentation and Scientific Research and undertook authenticity projects for many years before retiring from The British Museum in May 2005. Presently he is teaching early metallurgy at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. Dr. Craddock continued his research in the technical study of archaeological and historical artefacts, as well as specialising in all aspects of early mining, extractive metallurgy and metalworking. He has conducted excavations and surveys at early mines and smelters around the world.

Together with colleagues from the MS University of Baroda, Dr. Craddock was invited to excavate at the Zawar mines, Udaipur by Hindustan Zinc Ltd., Udaipur. After his preliminary visit of the ancient mines and smelting remains of Zawar in December 1982, systematic excavations commenced at Zawar in December the following year resulting in the discovery of a bank of seven intact zinc smelting furnaces each containing their full charge of 36 retorts. The furnaces represent one of the most sophisticated pyro-metallurgical operations before the industrial revolution, a process which is still fundamental to all high temperature distillation operations today. The investigations revealed how important the mines of Mewar were throughout India for several millennia, an importance that, has now been revived. Here in the heart of the Aravallis the laboratory synthesis of Zinc by high temperature distillation was developed into a viable commercial process in furnaces where 252 retorts were fired simultaneously. This process was the result of continued research and experimentation over a long period, initiated and supported by the mine's owners, the Maharanas of Mewar. This innovative process aroused great interest and was copied in the West and as such is the precursor of all high temperature distillation processes.

The discovery of Zinc smelting furnaces at Zawar caught the attention of Royal Society of London and Dr. Craddock and his team were invited to present its discoveries at the annual conference for the most significant advances in science held by the Royal Society London on 20th June 1985. The excavations at Zawar were the topic at a conference, '2000 years of Zinc and Brass', held at Bristol in the UK. The proceedings were published by the British Museum in 1998.

Much more scientific work, both in Britain and Mewar, was necessary before the publication in 2017 of the major monograph 'Early Indian Metallurgy' detailing the excavations and the description of the processes for producing silver and zinc that flourished in the Aravalli Hills of Mewar. Over the years Dr. Craddock has given lectures across Europe, America and Asia on the Zinc production at Zawar and published books and over 400 papers including several hundred on aspects of early metallurgy. These publications have raised awareness and appreciation of the Udaipur - India achievement to an international audience.

As the great historian, Colonel James Tod observed in his monumental 'The Annals and History of Rajputana' (I, p.108) 'We cannot march over 50 miles of country without observing traces of genius, talent and wealth'. This observation was based on the forts and temples that he came across on his travels. The excavations carried out at the mines of Mewar show the same spirit of enterprise in scientific and commercial innovation was encouraged and supported by Maharanas of Mewar to fully realise the potential of their mineral wealth. Dr. Craddock's research work and publications have brought to light the sophisticated process of Zinc production at Zawar from Maharana Lakha (r. 1382-1421 CE) time to international experts. This was recognised by American Society of Metals who designated Zawar ancient ruins as an International Metallurgical Heritage.

Maharana Mewar Foundation International Annual Award titled Colonel James Tod Award - 2019 is conferred to Dr. Paul T. Craddock for his outstanding contribution through his works of permanent value an understanding of the spirit and values of Mewar.

Haldighati Award
(Instituted in 1982-83)

The Battle of Haldighati: Monday, 18th June 1576 CE - Asadh Krishna 7 Samvat 1633 Kunwar Man Singh of Amber mounted on his mighty war elephant was chosen to command the army of Badshah Akbar against Maharana Pratap I (r. 1572 – 1597 CE) who on his incomparable grey Stallion Chetak led the Mewar army into the thrust of the battle. Neither lance nor sword, nor the arrows that rained like hail around him could stem the course of that intrepid charge. For the first time in fifty years the Mughals suffered their first setback and Haldighati shattered the myth of their invincibility - symbolic of the war that was fought for the protection and preservation of self respect, self reliance and independence.

The battle of Haldighati unlike any other battle in the military history of warfare has aroused the greatest and most multifaceted interest. This single occasion has raised issues of social context, the composition of opposing forces, the efficiency of execution of the adopted strategy and tactics and finally most touchingly the acts of unparalleled bravery, unmatched sacrifices and unimaginable fighting skills of a few individuals who participated in this battle. All these issues have assumed tremendous significance, as time goes by.

Maharana 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 value of living with self respect and self reliance. Today those who are prepared to speak out, or use their pen without fear of the consequences to enlighten society, are synonymous with the battle of Haldighati

Haldighati 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.

This National Annual Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate
4. Cash award of Rs. - 1,00,001

Ms. Swati Chaturvedi a freelance reporter for print and broadcast media. She gained a BA (Hon) in History from Delhi University, Delhi. Her first book, 'Daddy's Girl', a murder mystery was published by Penguin Random House in 2016 followed by her first investigative book the same year published to wide international acclaim titled 'I am a Troll - Inside the BJP's secret digital army'.

She regularly contributes investigative stories and analysis to NDTV, Gulf News, The Wire and Hindu Business Line. She is responsible for breaking a number of stories on social media and her tweets are often quoted in national and international publications. She has been interviewed by several international publications including the BBC, Associated Press, Guardian, New York Times and Washington Post.

She worked as Deputy Editor, Zee News from 2008 - 2013 and anchored India's number one Hindi news talk show, 'Kahiyeh Janab'. This prime time show, ran non-stop for five years and was also broadcast on Zee Salam (Urdu), Zee Business, Zee Middle East, UK and in the USA. Until May 2010, Swati Chaturvedi contributed investigative stories and editorials to The Tribune. Earlier she was the Anchor - Kuch Khaas Batein; The Statesman, New Delhi; Reporter and Special Correspondent The Hindustan Times where she focused on Kashmir, security issues and civil aviation, in addition, the divestment of Air India and the Mumbai underworld and Kashmir. She gave several important interviews which were quoted in the national and international media.

She was awarded Press Freedom Award for Courage by Reporters without Borders in 2018; established in 1992, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) held its annual Press Freedom Awards in London on 8th November 2018. The international award for Courage was honoured to Ms. Swati Chaturvedi, the only journalist from India. The ceremony highlighted the importance of press freedom and safety of journalists. The Prize for Courage is awarded to journalists, media or NGOs who demonstrate courage and defend the freedom of speech despite threats to their freedom or safety

She was conferred with Emerging Leaders Fellowship of the Australia India Institute 2014; Remarkable TV Anchor - Delhi Government 2008; Won the RAPA award for Best TV Anchor in 2004; Fletcher Challenge Paper Commonwealth Media Awards 1998; Prabha Dutt Award 1992 for Investigative Journalism.

Maharana Mewar Foundation National Annual Award titled Haldighati Award - 2019 is conferred to Ms. Swati Chaturvedi for her work of permanent value in awakening society through the medium of journalism.

Hakim Khan Sur Award
(Instituted in 1986-87)

Hakim Khan Sur was a Pathan who came to Mewar from his domicile in Hyderabad, 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 Ghati (1576 CE) against the invading Mughal army of Emperor Akbar. This is the first recorded instance in the Annals of Mewar in which the responsibility of leading the Mewar Army was not entirely entrusted to Shaktawat or Chundawat brethren. This was the direct consequence of Hakim Khan Sur's declared undertaking that no one would be able to part him from his sword in battle. Despite being a follower of Islam he laid down his life in battle fighting against his blood brothers thereby fulfilling his commitment to uphold the freedom and honour of Mewar. Even in death no one could part him from his sword and he was buried with full honours with his sword in hand.

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.

Hakim Khan Sur Award is National Award. This award has been instituted to honour work of permanent value for the cause of national integration.

This National Annual Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash award of Rs. - 1,00,001

Mr. Suresh Wadkar was born on 7th August, 1955 in Mumbai. His early musical talent was recognised by Shri Parshwanath Digrajkar, who used to visit his father during festivals to perform Bhajans. Suresh was barely 4 years old when he started to imitate the tunes sung by the Master. He was too young to imitate words, so he made up his own! Shri Digrajkar offered to undertake Suresh's training and for four years he coached Suresh in Vocal music.

When he was 7 or 8 year old he was taken to Acharya Jialal Vasant, whose Sangeet Niketan Musical Academy had the reputation for training children scientifically in Indian Classical Music. When Guruji heard Suresh performing one of the Natya Sangeet compositions, he decided to take him under his wing and not only train him in Hindustani Classical Music but also offered to take care of his formal education. The child-artists trained at the Niketan were invited by music patrons from all over the country to perform so Suresh gained exposure to perform in public from an early age. He graduated from the academy with Vocal and Tabla from Prayag Sangit Samiti, Allahabad, to which the Niketan is affiliated. Suresh learnt to play Sitar and Kathak dance. In 1976 he joined his Guruji's daughter, Ms. Prem Vasant, who was in Germany accompanying her performances on the Sitar and where he also performed as a vocalist.

On his return from Europe, Suresh was invited by Sur Singar Samsad to perform as a classical singer in the Haridas Sangeet Sammelan. Shri Brijnarain, Director, Sur Singar Samsad also asked him to participate in the 1st Film Sangeet Sammelan, which was being organised by the SSS. Although Suresh was reluctant to participate he won the coveted Madan Mohan Best Male Singer Award at the Sur-Singar competition in 1976 and was promised a part in one of his forthcoming films by Shri Ravindra Jain. Shri Jain fulfilled his promise and Suresh sang the male lead for Rajshri Productions' Film ‘Paheli’. He was also awarded with Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar 2004 instituted by Government of Madhya Pradesh; Maharashtra Pride Award 2007 by the Government of Maharashtra; National Film Award 2011 for Best Male Playback Singer for the song "Hey Bhaskara Kshitijavari Ya" from the Marathi film Mee Sindhutai Sapkal; Late Sadashiv Amarapurkar Award 2017 by Ahmednagar's Think Global Foundation. The rest is history.

During his successful career, he has received 16 awards for Best Male Playback Singer and has produced possibly the largest collection of celebrated songs. With 35 years of experience Suresh is now recognised as one of the most talented and versatile playback singers. As a Music Director he worked on 'Ashi Hi Dnyaneshwari' and his second film 'Asach Pahije Nava Nava' won the Best Music Director Award from the Government of Maharashtra.

He fulfilled his Guruji's wishes and established an academy for talented children to receive scientific training in Indian Classical Music. Moving into the field of academics he started the ‘Smt. Savitri Vasant High School’. The school takes in pupils from Nursery age to SSC and has a junior college of commerce attached to it. It also has a Voice Culture Centre with a recording studio of its own, where students receive professional training. His academy trains about 1500 students every year in Hindustani Vocals, Instruments as well as in popular classical dance forms like Kathak and Bharatnatyam. Many students have already made successful careers.

Suresh Wadkar has sung in more than 500 Films in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Bengali, Oriya, Sanskrit, Malayalam, Nepali, Bhojpuri, Hariyanavi, Assamese, Chhatisgarhi, Sindhi, Urdu, Kashmiri and Punjabi.

He has always believed in taking social responsibility to help under privileged students and children with special needs. The Ajivasan Institute in Mumbai now gives free education to approximately 150 such students and aims to reach out to more students to give them a better future. The Institute provides scientific training in Hindustani Classical Music, and the students have the opportunity to perform with the master himself on several occasions.

He established Uttam Vaggeykar Award in 2000. This award recognizes talented Indian Musicians. He has recently introduced two annual awards to encourage and motivate deserving students as well as music teachers. The Master Madan Mohan Award was also established to recognise potential music talent and Swami Haridas Award for recognising unsung music gurus.

Maharana Mewar Foundation National Annual Award entitled Hakim Khan Sur Award - 2019 is conferred to Mr. Suresh Wadkar in recognition of his distinguished service of permanent value to society by spreading the message of integration and introducing Hindustani Classical Music to thousands of students. It has been his continuous endeavour to educate, integrate and spread Hindustani Music, Culture and Art across society through devotional songs in different languages.

Through his pursuit of excellence and his expressive music, he encourages young people to get involved in nation building projects and other activities.

Maharana Udai Singh Award
(Instituted in 1996-97)

The tumultuous life of Maharana Udai Singh (r. 1537-1572 CE) 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. Udai Singh ascended the throne in 1537 backed by the nobles of Mewar, and returned to Chittorgarh to continue his rule. Emperor Akbar besieged Chittorgarh in 1567. Maharana Udai Singh, having foresight into the barbarity of the battle that would ensue and desiring that the Mewar line should continue, left Chittorgarh earlierand sought safety in the valley of the Aravali hills.

Maharana Udai Singh had created a lake and named it Udai Sagar. After his safe arrival 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.

Today the city of Udaipur is renowned the world over for its natural beauty. The lakes, gardens and once abundant flora and fauna form a picturesque setting for the magnificent palace complex to be found here. Udaipur is often referred to as the 'Venice of the East' and such praise is testament to the farsightedness of Maharana Udai Singh and his successors.

Today at the beginning of the 21st century, we are standing at the cutting edge of urbanisation, 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. An amalgamation of these issues for environmental growth has been a central tradition to the House of Mewar. The city of Udaipur has served as a model of sustainable development from its conception to its current progressive development.

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. The spirit of this great cause has been pursued by all the Maharanas of Mewar, and is epitomised by Maharana Udai Singh's creation of Udaipur.

This National Annual Award comprises:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash award of Rs. - 1,00,001

Ms. Geeta Seshamani is senior wildlife conservationist and an animal rights activist. She is the Co-Founder, Secretary of Wildlife SOS, established in 1995 with Co-founder Mr. Kartick Satyanarayan and Vice President of Friendicoes SECA an NGO dedicated to taking care of domestic animals in New Delhi since 1979. She has been involved in animal welfare and wildlife conservation for over 40 years. Both the organizations are recognized by the Animal Welfare Board of India

Since 1995 the organization Wildlife SOS has evolved to actively work towards protecting Indian wildlife, conserving habitat, studying biodiversity, conducting research and creating alternative and sustainable livelihoods for erstwhile poacher communities or those communities that depend on wildlife for sustenance.

India's wildlife is under severe threat - every animal from the majestic elephant and the tiger, to the shy sloth bear and rare pangolins have fast become "the hunted" and time is running out for these creatures. Wildlife SOS has made it its mission to take action against animal cruelty, rescuing wildlife in distress, working to resolve man-animal conflicts while promoting and educating the public about the need for habitat protection

Wildlife SOS is a registered charity in both the UK and USA where both Ms. Geeta Seshamani and Mr. Kartick Satyanarayan have been guest speakers at awareness and fund raising engagements They were also speakers at the Annual Conference of Swedish Associate of Zoos and Aquaria, in 2012 at the House of Lords UK, and invited speakers at the European Parliament in Brussels in 2015 and at many other international venues.

In 2009 Geeta Seshamani was awarded the Inaugural Planman Media Award for Environmental Activism; Limca People of the year Award in 2014; Wockhardt Foundation Human Rights Popular Award for Animal's Rights Activist 2016; Featured in 'Women of Pure Wonder', a coffee table book launched by Vodafone India & Vodafone Foundation 2017; The Jeanne Marchig Animal Welfare Award, 2017 and received the San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Medal for Conservation - in - Action 2018. She is a tireless animal rights activist demonstrating lifelong devotion to the protection and well-being of all living things

Mr. Kartick Satyanarayan is an active senior wildlife conservationist and Co-Founder and Chairman of Wildlife SOS. He is involved in wildlife conservation, welfare and the protection of the natural environment for over 23 years. He was awarded the First Planman Media Award for Environmental Activism 2009; Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar Award; San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Medal for Conservation - in - Action 2018.

Two of their collaborative publications are Dancing Bears of India 1997 and Trade in Bears and their parts in India: threats to conservation of Bears. They established the Agra Bear Rescue Facility and Mathura Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh; Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre in collaboration with Government of Karnataka and the Leopard Rescue Rehabilitation Centre in Maharashtra with the Government of Maharashtra as well as others throughout India. They have successfully completed investigations in the illegal hunting trade on soft-shell turtles; wildlife trade in tiger and leopard bones and skins and assisted the wildlife authorities with information on wildlife poaching and trade. Other projects included the translocation of Nilgai Antelopes from Delhi International Airport to Asola Sanctuary with the Delhi Forest Dept; an investigation on illegal trading of King Cobras in North India and over 72 sloth bear cubs have been rehabilitated after intercepting poachers and wildlife traders. With their shared commitment, Geeta Seshamani and Kartick Satyanarayan have dedicated themselves to mission 'Elephant Conservation and Care Center' a project of Wildlife SOS, created in 2010 at Mathura to rehabilitate severely abused captive elephants in distress. The Centre, India's first specialised hospital, currently houses 20 elephants with 12 females and 8 male elephants. The centre is full of natural vegetation with enough open areas and trees for their daily walks, thus making it closest to the natural habitat of the elephant.

Water pools have been provided for the elephants with easy access for them to bathe and play in the water. India is home to 50-60 per cent of all the elephants in Asia. Thus, it is of paramount importance for the survival of the species that India protect the Elephants in the Wild. However, Elephants in India are facing a variety of problems, with habitat loss, use in the entertainment industry and lack of medical facilities. Poaching is another very serious threat. Concern to the threat of the Elephant led to the formation in 1992 of the government-backed 'Project Elephant'. Addressing Human-Elephant conflict issues and improving the welfare of domesticated elephants was also a central part of the organisation's mission. There is now a hospital with modern medical facilities for treatment of injured elephants in distress with Wireless Digital X-Ray, Laser Treatment, Dental X-Ray, Thermal imaging, Ultrasonography, Hydrotherapy, Tranquilization Equipment and Quarantine facilities. The Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital is designed to treat injured, sick or geriatric Elephants and is equipped with a medical hoist for lifting Elephants requiring critical care, a pathology laboratory, digital weighing scale, Elephant Restraining Device (ERD) with a dedicated indoor treatment enclosure for longer medical procedures. India's first Jumbo-sized Elephant hospital covers an area of nearly 12,000 square feet with an observation area for overnight monitoring of elephants undergoing treatment using Close Circuit Infra-Red CCTV cameras. Training courses are organized by Wildlife SOS to spread knowledge on Elephant medical care, humane elephant management and veterinary procedures to spread compassion. The Elephant Hospital was built entirely with private donations and CSR support.

Maharana Mewar Foundation National Annual Award titled Maharana Udai Singh Award - 2019 is conferred to Ms. Geeta Seshamani and Mr. Kartick Satyanarayan for their work of permanent value in protecting and enriching the environment, hand - in - hand with future development.

Panna Dhai Award
(Instituted in 1997-98)

In former times it was usual to engage a lady who was nursing her newborn child to supplement the feeding of another infant whose mother was unable to do so. Such a lady in Mewar was known as 'Dhai' (foster mother). In the House of Mewar the privilege of being appointed a Dhai had long been in existence and selection was usually restricted to a particular community.

In 1535 CE Rana Vikramaditya was assassinated by Banveer. Kunwar Udai Singh, the rightful successor to the Gaddi, was an infant at the time. Banveer, who was an outsider, wanted to usurp the Gaddi of Mewar and remove all impediments including young Kunwar Udai Singh.

Kunwar Udai Singh had a Dhai called Panna, who had her own infant son, Chandan. She was deeply devoted to both and lovingly brought them up as her own children. Panna Dhai was fully conscious of the evil intentions of Banveer and was extremely careful and protective of her ward, knowing the serious consequences lest anything happened to the future successor of Mewar.

One night, Banveer, with naked sword in hand, managed to enter the quarters of Kunwar Udai Singh, determined to eliminate the last hurdle in his desperate quest for succession. Panna Dhai had suspected his malicious intentions and while both the infants were asleep that night, she placed her own child in the bed of Kunwar Udai Singh. On entering, Banveer saw an infant sleeping and demanded to know where was Kunwar Udai Singh, Panna Dhai pointed out Kunwar Udai Singh's bed on which she had placed her own son, Chandan. Without hesitation Banveer assassinated the innocent child. Thereafter Panna Dhai discreetly smuggled Kunwar Udai Singh out in a basket and only after some time they managed to reach Kumbhalgarh Fort safely. When the nobility and people came to know the facts, they promptly forced Banveer out of Chittor and instituted Udai Singh as Rana, thus ensuring the unbroken lineage of the House of Mewar.

Words can never encapsulate the intense dilemma, immense trauma and enormous personal sacrifice of Panna Dhai. Her prodigious and fierce loyalty extended far beyond any call of duty. The House of Mewar will always be indebted to Panna Dhai. Her unparalleled sacrifice has immortalised her in the annals of history and she shall be forever revered.

Panna Dhai Award is a National Award. The award has been instituted to honour an individual who has rendered selfless service, rising beyond the call of duty and setting an example to society of permanent value through sacrifice, in the face of immense hostility.
This National Annual Award comprises:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash award of Rs. - 1,00,001

'Humanity knows no rich or poor', These words were proved by the action of the father-daughter duo inhabitants of Dhanchara, Ambassa, Dhalai, Tripura Mr. Swapan Debbarma and his 9 year old daughter Ms. Suma Debbarma

Just like thousands of marginalised tribal farmers in Tripura, Swapan's family has no access to basic necessities like drinking water, electricity or a sustained livelihood. They make about rupees 60- 70 a day by selling firewood from the nearby jungle.

In the middle of their struggles on the 15th June 2018, on a rainy day when they had no food at home, the duo headed out in search of some fish. As they walked along the railway tracks they saw that almost a kilometre of railway track had been derailed due to a huge landslide following heavy rains. Realising that the damaged track would have led to a serious accident, possibly with the loss of thousands of innocent lives they waited to warn the train driver.

After waiting for about two hours at around 3.30 pm the passenger train Siliguri to Agartala coming from Ambassa approached. Standing at the side of the track, Swapan pulled off his shirt and his young daughter her skirt and they waved frantically to try and stop the train. They then realised the only way of attracting the driver's attention was to risk their lives and stand in the middle of the tracks and it was then that the driver Mr. Sonu Kumar Mandal saw them and was alerted to the danger and stopped the train. The incident immediately came to the attention of the members of the Tripura Assembly who invited the father-daughter duo to the assembly where they were felicitated and rewarded by the Tripura Chief Minister. Swapan's name was then also put forward for a job in the Government of Tripura. He was rewarded ` 50,000 by the Minister of Tribal Welfare for his incredible display of courage and bravery. Through a selfless act putting themselves in imminent danger, Mr. Swapan Debbarma and his 9 year old daughter Suma averted a major accident. Without their act of bravery we would be reading a very different story with possibly the loss of thousands of lives.

Maharana Mewar Foundation National Annual Award titled Panna Dhai Award - 2019 is conferred to Mr. Swapan Debbarma and Ms. Suma Debbarma in recognition of their rendering selfless service, rising beyond the call of duty and who sets an example in the society of permanent value through sacrifice, in the face of immense hostility.

Maharishi Harit Rashi Award
(Instituted in 1980-81)

The world famous Maharishi Harit Rashi was the Guru of Bappa Rawal. He was an Acharaya of the Lakulish sect and a greatdevotee of Shree Eklingnath ji. Bappa Rawal came from Vallabhipur, now in the state of Gujarat, India. He was one of the students at the Ashram of Maharishi Harit Rashi near the village of Kailashpuri, 20 kilometres from Udaipur. He was totally dedicated to his Guru who recognised in him certain inherent qualities and values which ought to be present in a leader. Before he left for his heavenly abode he selected Bappa Rawal amongst all his students to be entrusted with the responsibility of the right to worship and administer, as Diwan, the land on behalf of Shree Eklingnath ji. He bestowed upon his favourite student the Kingdom of Mewar and formulated the directions and the cardinal rules of governance of his State. Thereafter Bappa Rawal became the founding father of the House of Mewar early in the 8th century.

Thus the Kingdom of Mewar and the concept of trusteeship came into being as a consequence of a religious blessing fourteen hundred years ago. The founding of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation in 1969 is part of the obligation of the Institution of Maharana.

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'.
This Annual State Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash Award of Rs. - 51,001 each*.
* No. of recipients will be decided by the selection committee.

Dr. Narottam Pujari has been an Astrologer and a Vastu expert for the last 21 years. He comes from the District of Churu, Rajasthan. He was born on 25th June 1981.

He studied for his M.A. in Astrology at Jodhpur National University, 2003 and gained a Ph.D from CMJ University, Meghalaya, 2011. Presently he is a Pujari (Temple Priest) Salasar Balaji Dham, Salasar, Churu.

Dr. Pujari has been awarded by the Jyotish Mahamahopadhya f/rom Akhil Bhartiya Prachya Jyotish Shodh Sansthan.

There are over 18 books that have been authored by him including Badi Samasyen Chote Samadhan; Falit Jyotish Darpan; Swapna Vigyan; Apni Janmpatri Swayam Banaye Swayam Dekhe, Saral Jyotish Shastra; Ank Jyotish Vigyan; Vrahad Hast Rekha Vigyan; Tatkalik Bhragu Prashnavali; Havnatmak Durgasaptshati; Karmkand Pradeep; Rudrashdhyayi; Saral Panchang Gyan; Saptam Bhav (Ek Jyotishiya Adhyayyan); Vivah Sanskar Ka Vaidik Evam Laukik Adhyyan; Shuklyajurved Ke Anusar Rudrasukt; Jaipur Vedhshala Ka Sradhdh Itihas; VediC Astro Remedies; Graho Ki Gatha; Havnatmak Durgasaptshati.

Dr. Pujari gives free consultations to people who come and see him. Through his work he wants to spread the knowledge and wisdom of astrology and the art of vastu in a simplified way to society.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards entitled Maharishi Harit Rashi Award - 2019 is conferred to Dr. Narottam Pujari for his distinguished work of permanent value in awakening society through the medium of astrological culture.

Dr. Hemant Krishan Mishra was born on the17th November 1979 in Jhunjhunu District. He was inspired by his father and worked to gain several degrees and titles in the Sanskrit Language and Literature. He is conferred with Sanskrit Vidhwat Samman 2017 by the Government of Rajasthan; Special Award in 2018 by Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy; Padma Shri Dr. Mandan Mishra Sanskrit Sanskriti Seva Samman 2018 by Astha Sanskritik Sanstha.

He started his career at Shekhawati Brahmcharya Ashram, Bhiwani, Haryana. He served as Principal at Birla Acharya Sanskrit PG College, Pilani. From 2007 he has workrd at Shri Surajmal Taparia Sanskrit Mahavidhyalay, Jaswant Garh, Nagaur. For the last 14 years, he has been teaching students at Undergraduate as well as Postgraduate level. He has presented many scholarly documentations and dissertation at various platforms. He has written 8 books on Sanskrit, Ved and Literature.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards entitled Maharishi Harit Rashi Award - 2019 is conferred to Dr. Hemant Krishna Mishra for his distinguished work of permanent value in awakening society through the medium of ancient language and literature.

Maharana Mewar Award
(Instituted in 1981-82)

Since the time Bappa Rawal became the first Diwan of Shree Eklingnath ji all subsequent Maharanas of Mewar have considered it their proud and honourable privilege to uphold this mantle. The Maharanas, simply as custodians of the State, remained spiritual and temporal heads of Mewar.

With the amalgamation of the State in 1947 and subsequent constitutional amendment of 1971, His late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar strongly felt and categorically stated that merely the geographic boundaries of the state of Mewar had been done away with. Furthermore he felt that now the role of Mewar was enhanced because there was no longer a confinement to the area of service. The functions and duties based on Vedic principles of the Maharana should now be institutionalised.

Under the changed circumstances, in order to continue and immortalise the name, duties and functions of Maharana, he had to reshape his role, within the four corners of law, and therefore decided to transfer his personal and individual rights, as a Maharana into the Institution of Maharana. He had to find new ways to enable him and his successive custodians to continue to perform their duties in perpetuity as Diwan of Shree Eklingnath ji. He thus converted the Institution of Maharana into a juristic person despite the events of 1947 and 1971. His solution was based on that fact no one, or any law or any Constitution, can debar man from performing his duties to serve society.

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. The Institution of Mewar, in contemporary times therefore still remains a manifestation of rulership in the form of trusteeship.

This Annual State Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash Award of Rs. - 51,001 each*.
* No. of recipients will be decided by the selection committee.

Ms. Malini Awasthi was born on October 15, 1966 at Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India. She is M. Mus. Vocal (Gold Medalist), Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow 1988; M.A. Modern History with a specialization in Medieval and Modern Indian Architecture (Gold Medalist), University of Lucknow, Lucknow 1988 and B.A. (Hons.) Majors in Sanskrit and Political Science, University of Lucknow, Lucknow.

Her initial training was in classical and semiclassical music when she specialised in Ghazal singing under Ustad Rahat Ali khan, Gorakhpur. She underwent rigorous formal training in Khayal-Gayaki, Thumri (purab-ang gayki), Semi-Classical genres (dadra,hori,chaiti,kajri) and folk singing under Vidushi Padma Bhushan Girija Devi ji, Varanasi as ‘ganda-bandh’ shishyaa.

She was awarded Padma Shri in 2016; Yash Bharti Samman 2006; Kalidas Samman, Ujjain Sanskrit Vishwavidhyalay in 2006. She was honoured by the Dutch Government Television OHM for playback music for the film 'Tulsidas' in 2002. She is Centenary Chair Professor for the Indian Study Centre (Bharat Adhyan Kendra) at the Banaras Hindu University; she conducted a teaching workshop on Folk Music at Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Mauritius; she was appointed by the Election Commission of India as the Brand ambassador for the Uttar Pradesh state assembly elections 2002 and general elections 2014

She is founder of a non-profit organization, ‘Sonchiraiya’ which works to spread awareness of folk art as the intangible heritage from Awadh, Brij, Bundelkhand and Bhojpur. She is a regular participant in major Music festivals across the country including the Thumri-Festival and Rag-Rang-Festival, Taj- Mahotsav, Ganga- Mahotsav, Kumbhalgarh Festival, Teej Festival, Surajkund Craft Mela, Kalidas Samaroh and performed internationally at Pravasi Diwas at Trinidad 2017; Festival of India in Mauritus 2015; ICCR 40th Anniversary celebration in Fiji 2011; Independence Day Celebration Houston, USA 2004; Cultural Performance in Pakistan 2007 and many more

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Mewar Award - 2019 is awarded to Ms. Malini Awasthi for her distinguished service of permanent value to serve the society by promoting folk art and living heritage through education and literature.

Maharana Kumbha Award
(Instituted in 1980-81)

Maharana Kumbha (r. 1433-1468 CE) was one of the most distinguished Maharanas of Mewar. It is evident from inscriptions on stone found widely that he was considered a brilliant administrator, brave warrior, great architect, builder of impregnable forts and palaces, philanthropist as well as being benevolent towards his people. He was also proficient in art, music, a scholar of scriptures , deeply religious and a man of letters. He was a patron of excellence and during his time the State of Mewar prospered and grew in size and stature.

Amongst the greatest of greats he was a giant of a man.

Maharana Kumbha is a State Award. This award was instituted to honour works of permanent value to society through the medium of history and literature..

This Annual State Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash Award of Rs. - 51,001 each*.
* No. of recipients will be decided by the selection committee.

Dr. Jitendra Kumar Singh ‘Sanjay’ was born on the 1st of February 1979 to the Chandel family of Agori, Barhar in Devgarh Taluka, Shivdwar and now lives in the Sonebhadra District of Uttar Pradesh. His passion for knowledge and love for literature developed through the influence of Gandhism and Sarvoday that he saw as part of his ancestral heritage.

He attended primary school in Devgarh and the Government inter college and senior secondary education college at Jang Bahadur Singh Intermediate College before moving to Allahabad University where he graduated. He had been writing poems from the age of 12 encouraged by his mother Mahiyasi Prabha Singh and maternal grandfather Babu Mritunjaya Pratap Singh. Presently he is Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi, Bhagwan Singh PG College, Mirzapur, UP.

Dr. Singh’s scope of work covers a diverse range of subjects in literature, history, linguistics, poetics and the study of poetic structure. His works include Kundavasini-Stotra (1997), Shivdwar (2002), Kundavasini (2004), Sahityakar Dwivedi Dampati (2005), Baghel Vansh ke Char Kavi-Ratna (2006), Bhartiya Bhasha Sahitya aur Chhand ki Bhoomika (2012), Rashtrakavi Dr. Brajesh Singh aur Maharana Pratap Sahitya (2013), Hindi Kavi aur Kavyalochak: Shashtriya Awadharna aur Vyavahaarik Swaroop (2013), Pushkal (2014), Pranamya Sonebhadra (2014), Prasanna Sonebhadra (2014), Sonebhadra ka Samaaj (2014), Sonebhadra ka Itihas (2015), Dr. Shivmangal Singh ‘Mangal’ : Vyakti aur Vanmaya (2016), Shabdarth Ka Sauhitya (2016), Rajvansh ke Sahityakar (2017), Chandel Chandroday (2017). He has also edited 14 other major works.

He received a Junior Research Fellowship for his work ‘Bhartiya Chhand Shashtra Ka Itihas’ (History of Indian Prosody) from Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This work was a milestone in creating and establishing a connection with all the major languages of India. He established a library ‘Babu Venibahadur Singh Smriti Pustakalaya Evam Shodha Kendra’ in his village Devgarh and is currently working on an educational programme on skill development and illiteracy through his organisation ‘Prabhashri Gramodaya Sewa Aashram’.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Kumbha Award – 2019 is conferred to Dr. Jitendra Kumar Singh ‘Sanjay’, for his work of permanent to society through the medium of history and literature.

Dr. Girish Nath Mathur has been working on research and education for the past 44 years. He was born on 19th May 1949 in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Dr. Girish Nath Mathur was educated in the lake city itself and chose Udaipur as his 'Karma Bhumi' (The land where one works). He started his teaching career as a Lecturer in the Rajasthan Vidyapeeth - A Deemed University. (A Deemed University, or Deemed-to-be-University, is an accreditation awarded to higher educational institutions in India, conferring the status of a University. It is granted by the Department of Higher Education. During the course of his teaching and research work he also devoted himself to administrative work and very aptly discharged the duties of University Registrar.

His keen interest in teaching and research has been widely recognised. Today, he is considered to be an encyclopaedia of knowledge among historians and an inspirational mentor for large number of researchers in history.

Dr. Mathur has been instrumental in developing 28 Ph.Ds on different aspects of history and archaeology. As well as a large number of postgraduate dissertations, covering more than 150 villages and more than 80 research papers. He has pioneered research on archival material focused on 'Mewar' and 'Southern Rajasthan’ (eg. History of Mewar, Economic and Administrative History of Mewar and Southern Rajasthan etc.)

The writing of 'Rural History' with the help of unexplored archival resources is due to Prof. Mathur’s commitment and his success in motivating a large number of students from rural areas to process a rich heritage of old unpublished records lying with individuals and organizations. This archival academic wealth has been revealed through dissertations and, in the process, it has helped to preserve a large quantity of old archival records on copper plate, inscriptions, Bahi-Khatas, Parwanas, Pattas, Roznamchas, as well as official and personal correspondence.

Over the years Dr. Mathur has acquired the skill of reading and understanding old scripts making him an expert in this field. Many researchers now look to him to understand and interpret the ancient scripts before reaching to any conclusion.

With such rare knowledge and understanding, Dr. Mathur has established the date of The Dewar War and The History of Maharana Pratap over the Mughals by cross tallying all controversies.

A brief summary of academically referred work published by Dr. Mathur is as under: Completed the work of cataloguing Nathulal Vyas collection; Edited Khyat and Badawa Devidan ‘Mewar Ke Rajao, Ranio and Kunwaro Ka Haal and the project work of Freedom Movement of Mewar’; Worked for National Manuscript Mission and Bikaner State Archives, he headed the survey work of manuscripts, the entire project was launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India; His active involvement has made him a prominent specialist and he has helped universities through their Boards of Studies/ Academic Councils as well as providing expert services to employers of many educational institutions. The Rajasthan State Archives has consulted him on several occasions to identify archival records by correctly defining the scripts. Has The immense task of listing and documenting rural historical resources has been carried out by him for use by research scholars.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Kumbha Award - 2019 is conferred to Dr. Girish Nath Mathur for his work of permanent to society through the medium of research in Historical Archives

Maharana Sajjan Singh Award
(Instituted in 1983-84)

Although Maharana Sajjan Singh (A.D. 1874-1884) passed away prematurely at a very young age, his achievement and contributions to the State of Mewar were unparalleled. He provided electrification and piped drinking water and established a municipal council in the city of Udaipur. He created the Sajjan Niwas Garden and employed foreign gardeners to cultivate it. He personally drew maps and drawings of buildings he designed and constructed which astonished qualified engineers.

Maharana Sajjan Singh founded a printing press called 'Sajjan Mudranalaya' and 'Sajjan Kirti Sudhakar', a weekly journal was published from there. A library was created, under the guidance of 'Kavi Raja Shamaldasji' in the palace grounds of 'Sajjan Vani Vilas', where several academic collections in Sanskrit, Hindi and English were maintained.

It was here that Kavi wrote one of the most important works on Mewar history called 'Veer Vinod' and organised weekly poetry readings. Learned scholars who visited Udaipur during his time were given great respect and support. He was greatly influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati and accepted to become Chairman of the 'Arya Samaj's Representative Council'.

Maharana Sajjan Singh Award is a State Award. This award was instituted to honour work of permanent value to society through the medium of paintings, fine art, sculpture, architecture and craft.
This Annual State Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash Award of Rs. - 51,001 each*.
* No. of recipients will be decided by the selection committee.

Mr. Jamna Lal Kumhar, was born on the 11th July 1967 in Molela, Khamnor, Rajsamand. He has been a traditional Terracotta Art and Craft artist for the last 42 years. Molela sculptures have a unique style in the form of narrative plaques, tiles and murals that are made from mud dug from the banks of the river Banas. Craftsmen refrain from using any material that is not organic.

Over the past 30 years, Jamna Lal Kumhar has participated in a number of exhibitions in India and overseas including the Kalagram Crafts Fair; the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad; the Academy of Fine Arts, Prague; the Frida Steinburger Exhibition, Israel. He spent a 15 day training period in Finland, teaching foreign students about Molela Terracotta Art and also exhibited his art work there. He has received the Rajasthan State Award and National Awards in 2013-14 and 2017-18. His work forms part of a collection at the Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi and The City Palace, Udaipur.

He was Honoured by the Master Artisan of the Year in the 2nd International Crafts Awards 2018; A Certificate of participation was presented to him at the 4th World Living Heritage Festival 2018 held at The City Palace, Udaipur 2018; he won the Rajasthan State Gold Medal Award for folk art in Kalakand Art Contest 2018, Chandigarh; A Certificate for his contribution to the preservation, promotion and renewal of local artistic and ecological heritage treasures, Khamnor – 2017; A Certificate of Merit 2014 for his workin Terracotta by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Sajjan Singh Award - 2019 is conferred to Mr. Jamna Lal Kumhar for his work of permanent to society through the artistic medium of traditional Terracotta Art and Craft

Dagar Gharana Award
(Instituted in 1981-82)

Dhrupad and Dhammar are a very ancient style of Gayaki which occupies an important place in the world of Indian classical music. Ustad Ruidas Dagar was the first known exponent of this form of Gayaki. He was a very famous singer in the court of the Mughal Emperors. His successors continued to perform and adopted the Dhrupad and Dhammar as their personal style of Gayaki and for nearly twenty one generations, descendants of Ustad Ruidas Dagar have continued to excel in this style to this day.

This form of music contains all the 'Nav Rasas' and therefore Dhrupad singing is also known as temple music. The singer while expounding his music enraptures the audience into a state of ecstasy. He manages to carry the soul on its way to merge with the eternal. It is this aspect that creates tranquility and complete peace of mind. A distinguished exponent of music maintains that striking a note, in absolute and total perfection, symbolizes a feeling of Nirvana.

Ustad Ruidas Dagar's family first migrated to Jaipur from Delhi and finally during Maharana Sajjan Singh's time made Udaipur their permanent home. They were given great respect and provided full patronage to continue their music in the Court of Mewar. Ustad Nasiruddin Khan Dagar, Ustad Ziauddin Khan Dagar, Ustad Nasir Moinuddin Khan Dagar, Ustad Allah Banda Khan Dagar, Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Khan Dagar, Ustad Zakruddin Khan Dagar were some of the descendants of Ustad Ruidas Dagar who excelled in this form of music.

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 Annual State Awards consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash Award of Rs. - 51,001 each*.
* No. of recipients will be decided by the selection committee.

Ustad Mohi Baha'ud-din Dagar is an exponent of the Rudra Veena, a large plucked string instrument, originating from the Indian subcontinent, used in Hindustani Classical Music. His genre 'Dhrupad', is the oldest living vocal tradition of India and traces its roots to the SamVed. Born into the illustrious Dagar family of Dhrupad musicians in 1970. Mohi Baha'uddin first began his foray into Indian Classical Music at the early age of seven, training on the Sitar under the expert tutelage of his mother, Smt. Pramila Dagar.

After completing three years of initial training, he received a brief instruction on the Surbahar (sometimes known as bass sitar) and was later introduced to the Rudra Veena by his father, Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar, 1984 Dagar Gharana Awardee, and a legendary Rudra Veena maestro and his uncle, Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, 1997 Dagar Gharana Awardee, a renowned Indian classical vocalist from whom he later also learnt vocal music.

In 1990, Mohi Baha'ud-din was given a two year Lakhanpal Foundation Fellowship. He also received a two-year Fellowship in 1993 from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, India. At the early age of 20, Mohi Baha'ud-din formally stepped onto the stage and made his mark as a classical performer.

Mohi Baha'ud-din is a unique artist who has played for diverse and varied audiences in India and across the world. A cross-platform performer, he has made regular appearances on television and radio networks. His music has been recorded by Music Today (India), Makars (France), Ragini Sutra (India), Sense World (London), and India Music Archives (USA). He was also invited to work under Nana Shirgaokar, Chair in Indian Music in a Research Professorship Programme at the University of Goa for three years from 2013 to 2015.

Mohi Baha'ud-din continues to receive guidance from the esteemed Pandit Pushpraj Koshti, a senior disciple of Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar and Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar.

In taking the Dhrupad tradition to future generations, Mohi Baha'ud-din teaches both vocal and instrumental forms of music to students at 'Dhrupad', a Guru-Shishya Parampara styled Gurukul established by his father in 1982 at Palaspe, near Panvel. He believes that teaching is integral to his own learning and growth as a musician. He believes a particular tradition forges ahead only with a deep understanding between what is and what it will become. In this matter, commitment, discipline and clarity are some of the key components. He describes it like a tree being attached to the roots as well as growing newer branches. It is this freedom one finds in art. A Guru, Shishya Parampara nurtures such ideas and retains traditional art forms. Today, he trains students to be professional musicians in Rudraveena, Vocal, Surbahar, Flute and Cello.

Ustad Mohi Baha'ud-din Dagar has received numerous awards including Baiju Bawra Samman 2015, Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh; Rashtriya Kumar Gandharva Samman 2014, Madhya Pradesh; The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2012-2013, New Delhi; The Raza Award 2007, The Raza Foundation, New Delhi.

Some projects he has worked on are a Fusion with Louis Banks album 'Music For Romance' with Times Music; Played background scores for a series Chanakya for Doordarshan; Saraswati: a documentary on the origins of the river by Soudhamini Venkatnarayanan; feature film on Swami Narayanan the saint; a feature on the painter Paramjit Singh- 'The Seventh Walk' by Amit Dutta; Project Harmony with Mr. A.R. Rahman, 'Looking at the Swar' released on 15th August 2018; Concert series with Spicmacay for promoting awareness about Rudra Veena in school and colleges. He has worked with Darbar Fest and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London restoring a sitar and then played the instrument in a concert at the V&A Museum Hall. He has also worked to reintroduce the Sursingar into the Dhrupad genre that is another age-old traditional classical instrument which is extremely rare in India.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award titled Dagar Gharana Award - 2019 is conferred to Ustad Mohi Baha'ud-din Dagar for his achievements in the field of Indian Classical Music.

Rana Punja Award
(Instituted in 1986-87)

The name Rana Punja, who was a true son of the soil, is used with great reverence because of his contribution and service to the House of Mewar. He was the chief of his Bhil tribe and one of the most trusted leaders who fought with his fellow tribesmen along side Rana Pratap in the famous battle of Haldighati. Even after the battle of Haldighati he and his fellow tribesmen came forward frequently to assist the Maharanas maintain the freedom of Mewar.

The Bhils proved that anyone who is prepared to lay down his life to protect the independence of their mother-land does not have to belong to any particular caste or creed. The most significant implication is that lack of resource is no impediment in the path of preservation of self respect and self reliance. It further symbolises that for centuries Mewar has believed in equality amongst all men. Rana Punja and his fellow Bhils were the first tribals to be given equal status to as any other citizen of Mewar – a unique first in the history of India.

Because of such selfless devotion and loyalty the name of Punja was given a prefix of Rana which is the original form of address of the Maharana himself. The entire Bhil tribe is highly regarded by the Mewar dynasty, to the extent that at the time of succession, unless the Bhil chieftain puts a tilak with his own blood on the forehead of the person succeeding the deceased Maharana, he would not be recognised as the subsequent Maharana. According to historical evidence this tilak ceremony was performed till the reign of Rana Raj Singh I (r.1653-1680 CE).

During the British times when the coat-of-arms of Udaipur was registered with the Royal College of Heralds in London the Maharana honoured the Rajputs and the Bhils, in recognition of their joint contribution by accepting the coat-of-arms of the state of Mewar depicting them both standing on either side of the shield which shows the fort of Chittorgarh. This implied that the presence on the coat-of-arms of the House of Mewar is not only acceptable but most appropriate and befitting. Furthermore, it suggested that it was the Maharana, the Rajputs and the Bhils, who collectively upheld the freedom of Chittorgarh.

Rana Punja Award is a State award. This award was 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 Annual State Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash Award of Rs. - 51,001 each*.
* No. of recipients will be decided by the selection committee.

Mr. Jhalam Chand Angari was born on 10th June 1963 in Shyampura Kala, Jhadol, Udaipur. He has worked in Forest Conservation contributing to community mobilization. His work in his village began thirty-six years ago. After completing his schooling he became a teacher in adult literacy and started to help his fellow villagers in 1982.

His significant contribution to the people of Jhadol has been through Van Utthan Sangh, formed in 1997 that was formally registered in 2000. Van Utthan Sansthan is a network of Village Forest Protection Committees (VFPCs), working in conjunction with the Joint Forest Management Policy of the Government. Since its inception, Van Utthan Sangh has been actively involved in its mandate of collective protection and management of the degraded forest areas.

In 1987, when Udaipur was affected by acute drought, Jhalam Chand garnered community support to establish an anicut in his village to enable fresh water reserves especially for livestock who were most affected at that time. (An Anicut is a dam made in a stream for maintaining and regulating irrigation).

It was with his support in community advocacy, that land where no single tree could be found before 1990, is today covered with grass and trees, providing at least 700 kilograms of grass to each family every year. Grass is an important source of livelihood for livestock for many households in his village. After successfully helping to form community forest protection committees in the village of Shyampura, Jhalam Chand also established committees in the neighbouring villages of Bada Bhilwada, Som Naya Khola, Aamliya and Tumdar.

Jhalam Chand has provided strong leadership to Van Utthan Sangh in its continuous efforts to work with local, district and state government officials to secure nine community forest rights entitlements. After a long struggle, villagers gained formal rights over their forests in accordance with the Forest Rights Act.

In the last eight years, Jhalam Chand Angari has been actively involved advising village forest protection committees to file applications for community rights in Gram Sabha meetings, and has followed up discussions with Panchayat, Sub- District, and District Level Government Officials in order to secure official forest rights entitlements. The Law states that a forest site is freely accessible to all villagers who need access to it. Over the years, with the support of village forest protection committees and discussions in village level meetings Jhalam Chand Angari has been able to facilitate the removal of 18 private encroachments by individuals in several villages of Udaipur District.

Jhalam Chand Angari has encouraged community activity by supporting the harvesting of mature bamboos in the village of Amiwada of Jhadol. The community in Amiwada has collectively developed and managed a bamboo forest for over 15 years supported by Van Utthan Sangh. Under the leadership of Jhalam Chand they have gained permission from the government to harvest the mature produce of the forest grass-bamboo. It took two years to hold the community together and this resulted in a successful harvest of mature bamboos with the village benefitting from the profitable sale of the bamboo. Jhalam Chand's leadership qualities in bringing people together for their own well-being and development became popular even with Seva Mandir, Udaipur which actively was pursuing village development work in Jhadol.

For his remarkable and selfless duty towards the welfare of tribal and villager community he was awarded by Bharat Ratan Dr. S. C Subramaniam Fellowship Award 2003-04 and Umedmal Lodha Environment Award 2000.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Rana Punja Award – 2019 is conferred to Mr. Jhalam Chand Angari for contributing permanent value to society in the rural and tribal area.

Aravali Award
(Instituted in 1983-84)

The Aravali range of mountains stretches, with its rugged terrain, from beyond the southern part of Mewar right across western Rajasthan ending almost near Delhi. With their vast mineral wealth and strategically positioned fortresses, the Aravali range of mountains has played an important role in local history. The Aravalis have also been the home of the brave Bhil tribes who were loyal followers of the Maharanas for centuries.

The award is named after these mountains in recognition of the prosperity derived and protection provided by this mountain range in the State of Mewar.

Aravali Award is a State Award. This award is instituted to honour and encourage outstanding sportsperson for achieving distinction in any discipline of sports and games.
This Annual State Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. Cash Award of Rs. - 51,001 each*.
* No. of recipients will be decided by the selection committee.

Mr. Sandeep Singh Maan is a National and International Level Sprinter and Long Jump Paralympics Athlete. He was born on 16th July 1993 in Hanuman Garh, Rajasthan. He suffered from a dysfunctional left arm from birth but was an avid sportsman from a very early age winning multiple medals across different events.

He has achieved great success as a Paralympic athelete. He has won 4 Medals at State level, 26 Medals at National level and 27 medals at Internationa l level tournaments.

He was awarded by the Arjuna Award in 2016 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India for his excellent performance in the Paralympics. He was also honoured by Maharana Pratap Award by The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Jaipur in 2011-12 for Para Athletics. He was presented with a Letter of Appreciation by the State Government of Rajasthan at The Republic Day function on the 26th January 2012, Hanuman Garh. As well as winning many medals, he is one of the few Paralympics Athletes to have won three Asian Para Games in 2010, 2014 and 2018.

In the Asian Para Games 2010 at Guangzhou, China he secured a Silver medal in the 400 meter; 35th International IPC Athletics European Championship 2013 held in Berlin, Germany and he secured Silver medal in the 200 meter and Long Jump; Asian Para Games 2014 at Incheon, South Korea he secured Silver medal in 200 meter and 400 meter; 4th Sharjah International Open Athlete Meeting 2014 he secured Gold in 200 meter, Silver in Long Jump and 400 meter; 6th Fazza the International Athletics Competition 2014 Dubai he secured Gold in 200 meter and 400 meter; 2016 IPC Athletics Asia Oceania Championship Dubai he secured Silver medal in 200 meter; 8th Sharjah International Open Para Athlete Meeting 2018 he secured Gold in 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter; 10th Fazza the International Athletics Competition 2014 Dubai he secured Gold in 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter; at the 3rd Asian Para Games held at Indonesia 2018 he secured Bronze Medal in 400 meter.

He gained a Bachelors of Arts degree as well as being a passionate sports person who has courage, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to perform at the highest level. He is a source of inspiration to many young people in the country.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award titled Aravali Award - 2019 is conferred to Mr. Sandeep Singh Maan for achieving distinction in Paralympics Athletics.

Maharana Mewar Special Award - Best Police Station of Rajasthan
(Instituted in 2007-08)

Maharana Mewar Special Award was instituted in 2007-08. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 22nd February 2008 between the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur and the Department of Police, Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur. It was agreed that the Department of Home Affairs, Government of Rajasthan would select the best police station in Rajasthan each year and that the Foundation would bestow a Maharana Mewar Special Award at the Annual Awards Distribution Ceremony in recognition of its achievement.

This Maharana Mewar Special Award consists of:
1. A Ceremonial Shawl.
2. A 'Toran' plaque of honour.
3. A Citation Certificate.
4. A Commemorative Medal.
5. Cash award of Rs. - 25,001
This year the award will be given to the Police Station Makbara, Kota.

Bhamashah Award

is a State award to honour excellence in students chosen from amongst all the Universities of Rajasthan. 18 students received this award for the academic year 2017-2018.

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. 8 students received this award for the academic year 2017-2018.

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. 80 students received this award for the academic year 2017-2018.