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 29th February 2020 Hindustani Classical Music Concert was organised at Jagmandir Island Palace, 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 CE) 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 encyclopaedic 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 lays 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. Norbert Peabody was born on 28th November 1960.

He is Ph.D in Anthropology from Harvard University in 1992, A.M in Anthropology from Harvard University in 1985, and A.B in Art History from Harvard College in 1983.

He is working on a reissue of James Tod's Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan based on the two-volume first edition published in 1829, which will restore to the text all its original engravings, maps, charts, and appendices with special focus on Mewar. This reissue is being done to celebrate the bicentenary in 2023 of the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS), where Tod was the first Librarian and to which he bequeathed his collection of manuscripts and art work, much of it from Mewar. The reissue will be co-published by Yale University Press and the RAS in the run-up to this anniversary. Integral to this reissue will be a third 'Companion Volume', which will consist of four essays on Tod, comprehensive annotations to the text, additional appendices, and paintings and watercolours from the Tod collection. In this companion volume he is hoping to reproduce all the known paintings of Tod most of which come from Mewar.

Previously Dr. Peabody was the Co-winner, Gladstone History Book Prize, Royal Historical Society, for his book 'Hindu Kingship and Polity in Precolonial India' (Cambridge University Press, 2003). This book has been extensively reviewed in several journals; Anthropological Quarterly (Jason Freitag), Eighteenth-Century Studies (Robert Travers), Indian Economic and Social History Review (Jan Heesterman), Internationales Asienforum (Georg Berkemer), International Journal of Asian Studies (H. Kotani), Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History (Jennifer Howes), Journal of the Oxford History Society (Angma Jhala), Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute (Anthony Good), Modern Asian Studies (Lynn Zastoupil), Religious Studies Review (John Cort), Social Anthropology (David Gellner).

His published papers are ‘Knowledge Formation in Colonial India’, in India and the British Empire, Douglas M Peers and Nandini Gooptu, eds. (Oxford History of the British Empire Companion Series, Oxford University Press, 2012, paperback edition 2016), pp. 75-99; ‘Disciplining the Body, Disciplining the Body-Politic: Physical Culture and Social Violence among North Indian Wrestlers’, Comparative Studies in Society and History 51, 2 (April 2009): 372-400; ‘Tod’s Rajasthan and the Boundaries of Imperial Rule in Nineteenth-Century India’, Modern Asian Studies 30, 1 (February 1996): 185-220 and many more.

Since 2016, he has been the Editor of Modern Asian Studies, a bi-monthly journal published by Cambridge University Press. He is a Fellow, Royal Asiatic Society since 2012 and Member of Council since 2019; Affiliated Scholar, Centre of South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge from the year 2006; Fellow, Wolfson College, Cambridge, 1993-2017. He was Temporary Lecturer, Department of Anthropology, London School of Economics and Political Science, 2001-2005; Graduate Officer in Research, Centre of South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge, 1993-2001; Lecturer, Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, 1992-1993; Instructor, Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, 1991-1992.

Dr. Peabody's Cambridge University entry describes him as an ‘anthropologist and historian, whose research focuses on Indian nationalism during the 19th and 20th centuries.’

Maharana Mewar Foundation International Annual Award titled Colonel James Tod Award - 2020 is conferred to Dr. Norbert Peabody 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

A journalist of over 40 years standing, Mr. Raj Chengappa is currently the Group Editorial Director (Publishing) of the India Today Group and Editor of India Today magazine. He spearheaded the re-imagining and re-launching of India Today magazine when he re-joined the Group in June 2015 after serving as the Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune Group of Newspapers for five years. The revamped India Today magazine emphatically reiterated the publication’s dominant position in the market with the 2019 Indian Readership Survey putting the readership of the English edition of India Today at 9.24 million making it the most widely read and respected publication in the country. The magazine now has five times the readership of its competition that includes The Week and The Outlook. The Hindi edition of the magazine has a readership of over 7 million. The combined readership of the two editions makes India Today the most read periodical across all genres.

Under his leadership, India Today continues to chronicle without fear or favour the trials, tribulations, upheavals and revolutions that keep our great democracy and country always on the move. The magazine is widely complemented for its bold covers, its in-depth and powerfully written articles on topics of current interest and its telling photographs, illustrations and graphics. Apart from being Editor of the magazine, Chengappa has written extensively on politics, foreign affairs, security, nuclear weapons, development, health, education and the environment for India Today and has done over 200 cover stories on these subjects.

He has also authored the best-selling book titled ‘Weapons of Peace: The Secret Story of India’s Quest to be a Nuclear Power’ that chronicles India’s nuclear weapons history. He was a Nieman fellow at Harvard University (1990-91), a Harry Brittain fellow partly at Oxford University (1985) and a Stimson Fellow on Security Issues in Washington, D.C. (1995). He was a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change between 2006-2014.

A former President of the Editors Guild of India, Chengappa won the Prem Bhatia Award for Excellence in Political Analysis and Reporting in 1998 in which his cover story ‘The Bomb Makers’, a blow by blow account of the May 1998 nuclear tests, found a special mention in the citation, He won a Statesman Award for Rural Reporting in 1987 for his report on the water shortage in rural India entitled ’The Great Thirst’. He was also a winner of the 2019 National Award for Excellence in Rural Journalism award.

During a recent interaction on challenges of leadership, Chengappa said, "Good leaders step back and share credit with their team and promote others.” Journalism for him is like being in a continuing university because as he puts it, “You learn something of substance every day.” He believes that journalists must have the essential quality of curiosity and an ability to keep asking the right questions to discover and uncover the truth about an event or happening however uncomfortable it maybe to those in power.

He believes that the pursuit of truth is the pursuit of journalism and regards his profession as a service to society. He advises journalists to always break complex topics into simple facts and analysis to bring clarity to readers and enable them to understand why it is important to know the report they are reading and its significance and relevance to their lives.

Maharana Mewar Foundation National Annual Award titled Haldighati Award - 2020 is conferred to Mr. Raj Chengappa for his work of permanent value in awakening society through the medium of journalism, in particular or through any other media in general.

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 o f 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. Manhar Udhas was passionate about music from an early age but completed his mechanical engineering training in Gujarat and moving to Mumbai in the late 1960s to look for a job. He was introduced to the legendary music directors Kalyanji Anandji by his brother-in-law who was a producer.

A turning point in his career came when the legendary singer Mukeshji was not available to complete a recording a song for the 1969 film 'Vishwas' and it was agreed to use Udhas’s voice to record and use for the shooting. On hearing the recording Mukeshji applauded him and agreed there was no need to re-record it with his voice. The song ‘Aapse hum ko bichchade huve ek zamana beet gaya' in the 1969 film ‘Vishwas’ was an instant hit!.

Manhar has subsequently worked with many composers in the film world and has lent his voice to many songs. He has sung in more than 450 Hindi films in many languages including Gujarati, Hindi, Bhojpuri, Oodia, Punjabi, Bengali. He is well known for promoting Gujarati ghazals. His recent release is in the film ‘Aflatoon’ but he has 35 albums to is name from other films, 1969 Vishwas; 1970 Purab Aur Paschim; 1973 Abhimaan; 1980 Qurbani; 1983 Hero; 1986 Janbaaz; 1986 Karma; 1986 Naam; 1988 Dayavan; 1988 Ram Avtar; 1989 Tridev; Ram Lakhan; 1991 Saudagar; 1991 Sadak; 1993 Khalnayak; Jaan, Janwar films in 1999.

The albums are focused on spreading the message that all humans, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and colour are equal. He has effectively employed his music with meaningful songs and gazals to establish peace and harmony not only in Indian society but also across the world. He has been singing in concerts in different parts of world to promote this message through his music.

Maharana Mewar Foundation National Annual Award entitled Hakim Khan Sur Award - 2020 is conferred to Mr. Manhar Udhas in recognition of his distinguished service of permanent value to society by spreading the message of integration and introducing Music to thousands. It has been his continuous endeavour to educate, integrate and spread Hindustani Music, Culture and Art across society through devotional and patriotic 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 II (r. 1537-1572 CE) stands in marked contrast to the tranquillity 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 earlier and 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

Mr. Devilal Dhakar, the man who planted more than 5000 saplings and trees creating and preserving his own Forest. This is a story of an exceptional man who despite being physically challenged turned a small initiative into a 'Green Revolution'.

It was in 2001 when Mr. Devilal Dhakar was a teacher in the Government School of Barundani Panchayat of Bhilwara District in Rajasthan that there was an event that inspired Mr. Devilal Dhakar to start working for this green revolution. Nearby his school at Dhabhai Ki Jhunpadiyan there is a crematorium where at the time of any funeral, relatives and people attending the funeral would come and sit inside the Government School to escape the scorching sun in summers. This gave him the idea to create an environment of a plantation and trees to protect people from the intense heat. For the first time he planted Neem (Azadirachta Indica or Indian lilac) which became the natural shelter for the funeral attendees.

In 2016 he was transferred from the Dhanbhai Ki Jhunpadiyan Government School to another location. Due to this transfer he was unable to visit Dhanbhai Ki Jhunpadiyan for a long time and many of the saplings he had planted there had withered and died. He was very saddened by this and resolved that in the future he would endeavour to continue looking after his plantations personally.

At present Mr. Dhakar has successfully planted more than five thousand trees which he has registered and mapped so they can be properly cared for. He has maintained the records of each and every tree along with the names of donors who have sponsored and supported his work.

Today he continues to plant trees and now is also planting on nearby hills and with the help of local shepherds to prevent soil erosion.

Maharana Mewar Foundation National Annual Award titled Maharana Udai Singh Award - 2020 is conferred to Mr. Devilal Dhakar for his 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

Ms. Purnota Dutta Bahl, Founder and CEO, Cuddles Foundation, Mumbai, began her journey as a social entrepreneur 6 years ago.

She graduated from ISB and spent close to 11 years in corporate India, managing and heading marketing for brands like Hindustan Times and Shaadi.com, before a visit to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai changed her life forever. A little girl battling cancer reminded her of her daughter. Though she had been contributing as an individual donor to the hospital, Purnota realised that she needed to do more, especially for the poor children who were unable to cope with their cancer treatment because of malnutrition.

More than 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in India and 40 per cent of them malnourished at diagnosis. “8 out of 10 don’t survive because of malnourishment,” she points out. “Since some childhood cancers are increasingly curable the world over, there is no reason we should be losing our children to cancer because of something as basic as food and nutrition.”

Purnota quit her flourishing career, worked with Senior Oncologists at Tata Memorial and developed a blueprint for Cuddles Foundation that would go on to fight childhood cancer with food and nutrition. Because, food has the power to heal.

She had to face many challenges after she embarked on this mission. “The first challenge we faced was that we were starting with a blank slate. There was no organisation doing what we were - focusing on nutrition for children with cancer. But we were lucky that we had a solid team of advisors - all the doctors at Tata Memorial who were championing the cause so we had support from a clinical perspective,” she says. “The second hurdle was raising funds. We had to provide free food, supplements and rations for children. So I put on my marketing hat and started raising money. We were blessed that the cause resonated with people and many joined our mission. Another challenge was the high rate of children abandoning treatment midway because of the side effects of chemo - therapy. We had to bring that rate down as well.”

Today Cuddles has partnered with 31 government and charity cancer hospitals across 20 cities in the country, conducting over 1.5 lakh treatment counsels every year. It’s Food Heals Program includes providing child patients in these hospitals with - a trained team of clinical paediatric nutritionists, expert dietary counsels, supplements, hotmeals, eggs, bananas, dry fruits, and monthly ration baskets. They also provide parents and caregivers with the necessary support to make the right food choices for their families even with a limited kitchen.

Within 4 years of their Food Heals Program, Tata Memorial Hospital noticed that treatment dropout rates among children with cancer had reduced significantly, thanks to a large extent to nutrition.

In 2016, the organisation was recognised by the President of India with the National Award for Child Welfare. Last year, with the help of volunteers, Cuddles developed its own Food Heals App that helps nutritionists in hospitals in remote areas to make the right nutritional diagnosis and decisions for their patients.

Looking back at her journey with satisfaction, Purnota says Cuddles needs to be there in more hospitals in the times to come. “We want to make sure that all our kids are completing their treatment. We want our moms to be champions of nutrition in their communities because they have seen the consequences of poor nutrition in its deadliest of forms,” she says. “But as we expand our work to reach more, we will need more people to join us in this mission by supporting us with their money, voice, talent and influence. We hope more and more people come forth to help us reach out to every kid in the country that needs us.” The organisation also has ambitions to take its model of nutrition support for paediatric cancer to other developing corners of the world.

Please visit these videos to know how more about Cuddles Foundation:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8bDOXKPB2Y&t
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3kjzixhBP8

Maharana Mewar Foundation National Annual Award titled Panna Dhai Award - 2020 is conferred to Ms. Purnota Dutta Bahl in recognition of her 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 great devotee 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. Award of Rs. 51,001 each*.

Prof. Neeraj Sharma was born on the 2nd July 1975 in the village Divrala, in the Sikar District of Rajasthan.

Prof. Sharma received his Acharya Degree from the Rajasthan Sanskrit University, Jaipur and his MA, Ph.D. and D.Litt. Degree on Sanskrit Krishi Shastra from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

He was a lecturer in the Government College, Alwar from 1998 to 2011. Since 2012 Prof. Sharma has been working as Professor and Head in the Department of Sanskrit at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur.

He has received many fellowships, awards and Honors for his inter disciplinary research on ancient Indian knowledge systems. Among these are the UGC Research Award, from the State Government and Presidential Honour – 2014 and The Government of India. He received a Letter of Recognition from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; Antar-Rashtriya Vichar Mahakumbh in 2016; Certificate of Appreciation from the Mauritius Sanatan Dharma.

Prof. Sharma has done specialised research on Sanskrit Bhakti Literature of Rajasthan, Vedic Agriculture - Shastra Tradition and Indian Values in the field of sustainable development.

He has written and published many important research papers on ancient wisdom, tradition and has delivered many lectures on Indian thought and its contribution to the world at large. Amongst his various publications are ‘Sanskrit Krishi Shastra – Samgra Anushilan’; ‘Sanskrit Arth Evam Prabhandh Chintan’; ‘Sanskrit Krishi Shastra’; Sanskrit Krishi Vaighyanik Chintan’; Rajasthan Ka Sanskrit Stotra Sahitya’. A total of 8 books have been published under his authorship with another 2 books still under publication and a total of 55 research papers that have also been published in the field of Sanskrit literature.

As founder director, he established traditional Ved Vidyalaya in Alwar, Rajasthan for the propagation of oral Vedic chanting of rare shakhas of four Vedas. He established Anand-Arogya Centre to promote and preserve the spiritual knowledge tradition and well-being in Universities with special emphasis on the people of Udaipur. He has given lectures on Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta over the last two years which are uploaded and available on the university website www.mlsu.ac.in/Arogya-centre.

Prof. Sharma is committed to work for academic enhancement, development and the expansion of Sanatan Vedic Culture, Religion, Philosophy and Knowledge Tradition.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards entitled Maharishi Harit Rashi Award – 2020 is conferred to Prof. Neeraj Sharma for his distinguished work of permanent value in awakening society through the medium of Vedic Culture.

Dr. Jagdish Narayan Vijay was born on the 15th October 1973 in Malpura, Tonk, Rajasthan. He was a bright and gifted child and flourished in an attentive school environment He has a postgraduate degree in Sanskrit from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur and Vidyavaridhi, M.Sc., M.B.A., P.G.D.C.A., B.Ed. (Gold Medallist). He was awarded the Bhamashah Award in 1995 for achieving the highest score among all Universities in Rajasthan.

Dr. Vijay’s teaching of Vedic culture was awarded by the State Government at subdivision and district level. The Women and Child Development Department, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department have also recognised his achievements. Presently he is working in Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University, Jaipur. His research papers have been published in the research journal Vayam by Sanskrit University and he has contributed to Jyotapatti, an important book based on mathematics astrology.

He has participated in various programs to encourage high level Sanskrit research by promoting the wide-spread use of the Sanskrit language, and the publication of Sanskrit journals. He has organized and attended several international and national seminars, workshops and worked on the conservation of rare manuscripts as well as publications and digitization, working from the Government of Rajasthan offices under the Department of Arts and Culture, Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy, Jaipur.

Whilst at the Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy, he organized "Rudrabhishek" programs on every Monday of the month of Shravan to encourage the celebration of Sanskrit day, other important festivals, Navsanvatsar (The Hindu New Year) and Sanskrit dance drama. He has organised inspirational programmes and trips to perpetuate the Vedic scriptures of Rajasthan in South India.

He was the managing editor of 'Swara Mangala', a research journal of the academy. Through various programs he has made continuous efforts to awaken society through Vedic culture, ancient scriptures and rituals.

Under his supervision various religious programmes and events have been organised; Braj program, Krishna Bhajan Sandhya, Govardhan Festival under Krishnaleela, Krishna dance drama Manchana, Rasleela, Rasiya, International Brajbhasha Seminar, Meera Festival Chittorgarh. As Secretary, Rajasthan Braj Bhasha Academy, Jaipur under the Government of Rajasthan and Brajshat Dal, Dr. Vijay published a significant paper on Vedic culture in society in a Research Journal.

On Sanskrit day in 2019, the Government of Rajasthan awarded Dr. Vijay for his outstanding work to perpetuate Vedic culture, ancient scriptures and rituals.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards entitled Maharishi Harit Rashi Award - 2020 is conferred to Dr. Jagdish Narayan Vijay for his distinguished work of permanent value in awakening society through the medium of Jyotish and Karma Kand.

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*.

"Our nation has a huge population. If even one lakh people start filling potholes, India will become pothole-free."
Mr. Dadarao Bilhore is known as the 'Pothole Dada of Mumbai'. He comes from Mumbai, Maharashtra and started on his mission to repair potholes in and around Mumbai in August 2015. He has now filled over 554 potholes and is often referred to as the ‘Pothole Dada of Mumbai’. In July, a terrible accident propelled Mr. Bilhore to do something about the excessive number of potholes in the roads. During the heavy rains in July of 2015 his 16 year old son Prakash was riding home from school on a motorbike with his brother Ram. Prakash had passed class X board and was submitting an admission form for a college in Bhandup, Mumbai. The pair took shelter on their way near Powai after it started to rain extremely heavily. When the water receded, they set off, reaching Santacruz Electronics and Export Promotion zone near the Jogeshwari Vikhroli link road that was badly flooded and it was there that their motorbike got stuck in a pothole submerged under water. Ram who was driving the motorbike landed five feet away receiving lacerations to his chin and forehead but wearing a helmet was saved from any major injury. Prakash who was riding pillion was thrown over his brother’s head and landed unconscious due to the impact of his fall 10 feet away in the street. Not even one passer by made a move to help the boys but stood and watched, taking photographs on the ‘phones.

Ram dialled friends in the area and Prakash was rushed to The Holy Spirit Hospital. Their father Dadarao Bilhore, who was running a grocery store in Andheri was preparing to break the holy Ekadashi Fast when he received a call from Ram. Later, in an exclusive interview with” Better India” he recalled that he told the family that the boys had fallen off their bike but that he would go to the hospital on his own as he didn’t think their injuries were bad.

It was only when he received a call as he was actually on his way to the hospital and they told him that Prakash had a brain haemorrhage that he realised how serious the situation was Mr. Bilhore described how at that point his world had come crashing down but with Ram’s condition still critical he determined he would do all he could to save his life. It was only when his condition stabilised that he felt he could inform the family that Prakash passed away.

Still shocked by the devastation the accident had had on the family he decided to do something nobody expected.

Armed with broken paving blocks, gravel, stones and a shovel, he started filling every pothole he saw within one month of Prakash’s passing.

It wasn’t just his son’s death but similar cases that bothered him; an accident of a mother daughter duo in Ambernath, where the mother died on the spot, and a Bandra couple, where the wife died after falling off the vehicle due to a pothole.

When anyone asks him why he fills potholes he says, “I have lost my son, and I don’t want anyone else to lose a loved one”. He says “It is a tribute to my son. Whenever I fill one pothole, I feel I have saved someone. My son did not return home alive, but somebody else’s son will return home safely.”

Today, hundreds of people are joining Dadarao in his mission to make not just Mumbai, but the whole of India a pothole free. He has started a project 'Fill in the potholes' and a citizen group in Mumbai has developed a mobile App 'Spothole'. Collaborating with The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai working to fill in potholes.

The app uses three basic features already available in any smartphone – mobile camera, GPS and 3G Internet that enables citizens to report the location of a pothole along with a photograph. BMC can then fill the potholes spotted by the citizens.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Mewar Award - 2020 is awarded to Mr. Dadarao Bilhore for his distinguished service of permanent value to serve the society through character building activities.

Mr. Anant Vijay resident of Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh works on projects associated with communications and literary activities. He graduated from Bhagalpur University, Mass Communication from GJU, Hisar, Post Graduate Course in Journalism from the University of Delhi and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Delhi Productivity Council, New Delhi.

He has been a journalist for more than two decades, and is presently working with the leading Hindi daily 'Dainik Jagran' as Associate Editor. He has also worked with the leading Hindi News Channel IBN7 as Deputy Executive Producer from February 2005 to August 2017. He now manages the channel output and is the spokes- person responsible for managing the News placement.

As well as planning and managing the execution of major events, he works with the conceptual team for the news channel that has carved a position for itself in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi. He was an Associate Editor for Poorab Media, an independent production house that produced Khabron Ki Dunia for DD-I from July 2002 to February 2003. He was associated with Delhi Press from May 1997 to July 2002. He has also worked freelance for the newspaper Hindustan from April 1995 to May 1997. During this period his articles were also published in almost all the leading Newspapers and Magazines.

He was also a regular contributor in various National Dailies; Navbharat Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Nai Duniya, Rashtriya Sahara, Jansatta, Prabhat Khabar, Sanmarg, National Duniya, Navoday Times, Dainik Tribune. He penned a fortnightly column on politics and strategic affairs in the English Daily 'The Pioneer' for 3 years as well as writing a literary column in Pioneer Hindi weekly for three years. He has written a weekly column in Chauthi Duniya for the past ten years on various topics.

Mr. Anant Vijay has also authored and edited many books: Prasangvash – a collection of literary essays; Kolahal Kalah Mein - a collection of literary controversies of the 90s; Mere Patra - collection of interviews of top Hindi writers; Widhaon Ka Winyas - Collection of my critical essays based on important English books published world-wide over the last ten years; Kahani – He edited a collection of award winning stories; Bollywood Selfiev- A book on Bollywood Superstars; Loktantra Ki Kasauti - a book based on 2014 Loksabha Election.

His work has been regularly published in mainstream Indian News and Literary magazines; India Today Hindi Edition, Outlook, Hans, Pakhi, Tadbhav, Samved, Samkaleen Srijan.

He is a visiting Faculty at various institutions & educational bodies and has had regular interactions with students of Communication at various Universities and Media Institutes.

He was Panel Chairman of the National film awards in 2017 for best writing and a member of an expert panel on journalism and printing dictionary for The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology, Ministry of Human Resource Department, Government of India; Hindi Salahkar Samiti, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India and many more.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Mewar Award - 2020 is awarded to Mr. Anant Vijay for his distinguished service of permanent value to serve the society through literature and education.

Mr. Prakash Chand Sharma was born on the 10th June 1970. He comes from Hindaun City, Karwasauli, Rajasthan.

Over the past 20 years his work focused on environmental issues and social equality. Through his reportage he has highlighted the issue of Silicosis a deadly disease where in Karauli District several people have lost their lives. As a result the National Human Rights Commission and State Human Right Commission has visited the site and a relief fund of 3-3 lakhs for the families of those who have died and 1.51 lakhs to those affected by silicosis has been provided. A committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary of Rajasthan has also been constituted.

Through media communications he has made drastic changes in methods of forest upkeep, plantation and wildlife preservation amongst local villagers and school children. Seminars and camps are organised to educate people about the threat of deforestation, the need to control hunting of wild animals, the excessive use of bore wells which disturb the balance of the ecosystem and climatic cycles. This work has been recognised and applauded by the Department of Forest and Environment, Government of Rajasthan and given the national Amrita Devi Smriti Puraskar award in 2017 for dedicated to wildlife conservation and security.

Mr. Prakash Chand Sharma has been awarded the Jeevan Rakshak Award by the State Government for his extreme courage and action beyond the call of duty when he dived into a dangerously roaring Kalisindh river to save the lives of 3 children who were at risk from drowning. He has also been awarded by Letter of Appreciation from Government of Rajasthan in Kota on Independence Day in 2015 for his contribution to journalism. A Letter of appreciation was awarded to him by the State Government of Rajasthan on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti 2014. Literacy Award 2001; Forest and Wildlife Award 2005; Social Harmony Award 2007; Social Work Award 2004; 7th Red and White Bravery Bronze Award 1997-98 in recognition of his exceptional act of social service.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Mewar Award - 2020 is awarded to Mr. Prashant Chand Sharma for his distinguished service of permanent value to serve the society through literature, education and social services.

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*.

Prof. Bhanwar Lal Bhadani, born on 8th April 1946 in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

He attended Shri Jain High School, Bikaner and graduated from Shri B.J.S. Rampuria Jain College, Bikaner. M.A. (Medieval Indian History) and L.L.B from University of Rajasthan, Jaipur and later successfully acquired his M.Phil. and Ph.D from Aligarh Muslim University respectively. He retired as Professor of History, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. He was also a Former Chairman and Coordinator of The Centre of Advanced Study in History and is presently Senior Fellow in Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi. Professor Bhadani has worked and specialised in the field of Social, Cultural and Economic History of Rajasthan, Medieval History.

He served as a Lecturer, Reader and Professor, Department of History, Centre of Advanced Study, Aligarh Muslim University and has remained as the Head and Coordinator of the Department. His major research work was published in 1999 titled ‘Peasants, Artisans and Entrepreneurs - Economy of Marwar in the Second Half of the Seventeenth Century’ and ‘Water Harvesting, Conservation and Irrigation in Mewar (800-1700)’ in 2012. Two volumes were published on the History of Jasol entitled Jasol Ka Itihas. A further book was published in association with a scholar Professor Masanori Sato, Asia University, Tokyo entitled ‘Society and Economy of Rajasthan’.

Presently he is working as a Senior Fellow, ICHR, New Delhi on a research project ‘Maharana Pratap on the basis of Archaeology and Literary Evidence’ and ‘Irrigation Technology and Environment in Medieval Desert States, Rajasthan’ sponsored by Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi.

For the last thirty five years the research journal ‘Khyat’, later the ‘Juni Khyat’ has been edited by Professor Bhadani. Now the Journal is included in the Consortium for academic and research ethics (UGC). Two further publications ‘The Vaichariki’, a journal dedicated to the language literature, history and culture of India and ‘Rajasthan Bharati’ a well known quarterly research journal devoted to publishing research papers in Rajasthani language and history of the region were also published under his editorship. About 80 research papers have been published in various journals and Prof. Bhadani has delivered several lectures at different Universities.

He has been designated as Convenor of UGC; sponsored Annual Workshops on Medieval Indian History at CAS in History, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. He has been a prominent Member of many highly regarded academic and learned bodies including The Indian History Congress, Rajasthan History Congress, Rashtra Bhasha Prachar Samiti, Member of Board of Studies, Aacharya Tulsi Rajasthani Shodh Sansthan.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Kumbha Award - 2020 is conferred to Prof. Bhanwar Lal Bhadani for his work of permanent to society through the medium of research in History.

Dr. Praveen Pandya is well-known Sanskrit poet, analyst and scholar. He was born on the 1st November 1978 at the Village Deora, Tehsil Sanchor, Jalore, Rajasthan. He has translated many significant works from and into Sanskrit. He started his career in teaching and is currently the Principal of Government Senior Secondary School Sanchore. Dr Pandya’s work has been included in different leading anthologies of Sanskrit poetry. He is a member of the editorial board of Katha Sarit, a magazine devoted to Sanskrit fiction.

Jyotirjavalanam (2003), Udbahuvanata (2006), Jivaturusamadhvikam (2010), Adhottamatarani (2015) are his original Sanskrit poetry-collections. He is a scholar of Vedas, Upanishads, and Sanskrit Literature.

He has received distinguished Awards, Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2012, All India Level Magh Awards 2016 of Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy, State Level Vidvatta Samman 2013 of Rajasthan Government and Sahitya Akademi Translation Award 2017. He has contributed more than 20 original, translated and edited books. He has translated 'Hind Swaraj', one of Mahatma Gandhi’s books into Sanskrit as 'Hindsvarajyam' (2013). Soundaryasrotswini Narmada (2015) is a Sanskrit translation book awarded by the Sahitya Akademi, Delhi.

Books of poetic genre such as Vagishvarikanthasutra (2010) and Kavyasatyaloka (2013) are edited and translated in Hindi by Dr. Pandya. His poems are included in many representative collections of Sanskrit contemporary poetry such as 'Kalpavalli' (2013), 'Drakshavalli' (2016) published by Sahitya Akademi and 'Kavibharati' (2011) edited by Harshadeva Madhav. A number of his Sanskrit poems have been translated in Hindi, English and Gujarati as well as published in Vagarth, Indian Literature Kolkata Letterpress. His poems have been taught in the Post Graduation syllabus of Veer Narmada University, Gujarat. Many of his books are used as reference books in reputed academic institutions. His articles reflect references of contemporary modern ideology in the context of Indian philosophy.

He has written research papers on post-modern discourse and contemporary Sanskrit poetry and are discussed in cultural contexts and values, not only in Sanskrit but also in the Indian knowledge tradition associated with it.

He is a distinguished scholar of Shatapath Brahmana, Aitareya Brahmana and Yajurveda. More than 10 books on modern Sanskrit literature 'Abhiraj's Sahitya Sadhana'; 'Samakaal Ke Sandarbhon Mein Parampara Ke Padataal’ are under publication.

Presently he is working on a project of Yajurveda. He has studied Vedic Philosophy of Uvat, Mahidhar, Sayan, Madhusudan Ojha and Maharishi Arvind.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Kumbha Award - 2020 is conferred to Dr. Praveen Pandya for his work of permanent to society through the medium of literature.

Maharana Sajjan Singh Award
(Instituted in 1983-84)

Although Maharana Sajjan Singh (r. 1874- 1884 CE) 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' 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*.

Mr. Amrit Lal Sirohiya, A Gem Stone Carving artist born on 21st January 1979 at Jaipur.

He received National Award from Ministry of Textile, Government of India in 2016 as the first National Awardee in the field of gemstone carving art. As a confident and exceptional artist, Amrit Lal Sirohiya has become a significant influence as a professional in the art of gemstone carving through his critical insight and relentless effort. He was tutored by eminent masters in Jaipur and for the past 20 years, has worked diversely and exclusively to preserve this traditional art form.

He has tutored around 60-65 young students under ‘The Creation of Gem Stone Carving Institute’. Deeply immersed in his work while listening to Indian classical music, he has also shown his exclusive work at numerous exhibitions nationwide in Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, New Delhi as well as overseas. As well as being a gemstone artist Amrit Lal Sirohiya also introduced the use of Artisan cards issued by the Ministry of Textiles for 60 artists of Rajasthan. The art of gemstone carving in India is a very ancient tradition dating back to the Indus valley civilization period when precious and semi precious stones were first used in jewellery and in decorative art. Jaipur became one of India's most important gem and jewellery export in centre. Today it is the second most important gem and jewellery export centre. A dynamic transformation and internationalism has modernized manufacturing.

With his imagination and creativity, artist Amrit Lal Sirohiya has worked on a defined shape that highlights minute detail and reflects his talent working with gemstones through the process of carving.

Before working on a design an outline sketch is drawn up. Then it is replicated on the stone with accuracy using a pencil. Afterwards a grinding machine is used to roughly cut the stone with help of water. Small diamond tools are used to carry out the carving process and these tools give the sculpture a definite shape. The polishing process of a sculpture is done using a green buffing cloth attached to a motor so that gradually a green coloured powder is applied to the surface. Finally the sculpture is washed with clean water and oil that enhances the colour and gives a shine to the piece. It also gives softness to the sculpture. Gemstones like blue sapphire, ruby or emerald are polished with sandalwood and oil. Hard work and full concentration is required to transform a stone into a sculpture!

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Maharana Sajjan Singh Award - 2020 is conferred to Mr. Amrit Lal Sirohiya for his work of permanent to society through the artistic medium of gem stone carving.

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*.

Ustad Sabir Sultan Khan was born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan to the renowned Sarangi player and vocalist Padma Bhushan Ustad Sultan Khan.

He trained under his father Ustad Sultan Khan and grandfather Ustad Gulab Khan (Sarangi player and vocalist) and his uncle Ustad Nasir Khan (Sitar player).

He went to the Sikar Gharana School of Music who has produced several stalwarts of Indian classical music. He is the ninth generation to take up the Sarangi. His great grandfather Ustad Azim Khan was a court musician at Sikar, Rajasthan.

He was introduced to music when he was six years old through his grandfather Ustad Gulab Khan. He shared the stage with his father and as well as solo concerts. He has performed alongside some of India’s most renowned artists; Ustad Zakir Hussian, Ustad Rashid Khan, Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, Ms. Asha Bhosle, Ustad Gulam Ali (Ghazal Singer), Pandit Swapan Choudhuri. He has played in several feature films like Dangal, Badlapur, Jodha Akbar, Rangoon, Chak De India. He was part of the team of Mr. A.R. Rehman’s episode for MTV Unplugged and worked with Mr. Salim Merchant and Mr. Karsh Kale for Coke Studio. He is also a music composer.

He is known today for his mastery of Sarangi. His technique of playing is a rare combination of note (sur) and rhythm (laya).

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award titled Dagar Gharana Award - 2020 is conferred to Ustad Sabir Sultan Khan 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 Maharana 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*.

Dr. Mangi Lal Parihar was born on 1st July to a tribal farming family at Gedoli village of Jhajpur, Tehsil of Bhilwara District of Rajasthan. He lost his father at an early stage of his childhood. In spite of a difficult life and limited resources, he completed his initial education at his village and higher education at Kota where he did a basic qualification and gained a Diploma in Instrumentation. He was determined to continue with his education and completed AMIE qualification in Chemical Engineering with more than 70% marks. Dr. Parihar joined the Heavy Water Plant, Kota in 1994 as Foreman. In recognition of his qualifications, the Department promoted Dr. Parihar to Scientific Officer – F grade. Subsequently, he also completed an MBA in Human Resource and PhD (AM) as he had a strong ambition to serve the community.

Today, Dr. Parihar is working in the Nuclear Fuel Complex, Kota Project of Department of Atomic Energy. He has also learnt many other techniques in the field of health care including Naturopathy, Reflexology, Acupressure and has started to see patients who have had problems with backache, spondylitis, frozen shoulders amongst other conditions. He has had surprising results of providing in some cases immediate relief from pain and he started giving his time to patients after office hours at no cost.

Meanwhile, he rose to the level of Unit Head (General Manager) of The Heavy Water Plant, Kota and seeing his interest in alternative health practices and the relief experienced by many such patients, he provided his services not only to staff of Heavy Water Plant, Kota and Nuclear Power Corporation but to the general public of nearby villages. It was also recognised that with his motivational talk on health awareness, many people changed their way of living and there was a general improvement of health amongst plant employees, resulting in a reduction of their medical bills.

Dr. Parihar has taken the mission to various other departments and he is working extensively with volunteers trained by him to ensure that many other people also benefit from the therapies advised by him. He strongly believes that all living beings are members of one family and it is our moral responsibility to care for others. He has acquired knowledge and expertise through systematic and practical research on alternative medical practices, developed by ancient Indian Saints. Many Allopathic Doctors, Paramedical Staff, Scientists, Engineers, Technocrats and citizens are regularly using his services.

He has written a Book on the topic ‘Vaikalpik Chikitsa Padatiyon Ke Madhyam Se Samagra Swasthya Prabandhan’ in Hindi in which he has scientifically explained the alternative medical practices; Mudra Science, Acupressure, Sensitive Nerve Point Therapy, Meridianology, Yoga, Meditation and other alternative medical practices.

Dr. Parihar is an eloquent speaker, instructor, motivator, counsellor, holistic healer using the alternative system of medicines. He has conducted hundreds of efficient and very effective scientific seminars, talks, workshops, training and voluntary health assessments and counselling, absolutely free of charge.

He has conducted more than 350 health awareness programs for approximately 40000 citizens during the last 8 to 9 years in various parts of the country. He has purchased instruments worth Rs. 2 Lakhs out of his own resources and has not charged a single rupee to his patients. He has also conducted around 225 Presentations / Talks on ‘Role of Department of Atomic Energy for Economic, Societal and Technological Development of the Nation’.

Dr. Parihar is committed to using his skills to improve people’s lives. It is his aim to help people live a healthy and happy life. In addition to his official responsibilities, on every Tuesday and Friday after his duty hours, he renders volunteer services for public health management and awareness through Alternative Medical Practices at Heavy Water Plant Information Centre, Rawatbhata.

He was awarded by Rajbhasha Bhushan Award for the year 2018-19 by Nuclear Energy Department, Government of India.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award entitled Rana Punja Award – 2020 is conferred to Dr. Mangi Lal Parihar for contributing permanent value to society through health care services.

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*.

16 year old Ms. Gaurvi Singhvi is the face of strength and confidence of youth in today’s India and of Udaipur. She is also regarded as the ‘Mermaid of Udaipur’, Rajasthan born on the 24th February 2003.

Gaurvi Singhvi is an open water long distance swimmer. She is the record holder as the youngest in the world who at 16 in 2019 swam the English Channel.

Gaurvi swam from Samphire Hoe beach in England to Cape Gris Nez, France in 13 hours 28 minutes. The swim is certified by The Channel Swimming and Pilot Federation (CS&PF), UK where every 20 minutes latitude and longitude position were recorded by the tracker on the boat, The Optimist.

Gaurvi Singhvi holds the record of covering a distance of 45 kms in the Indian Ocean from Juhu Khar Danda to the Gateway of India in 9 hours and 22 minutes at the age of 15. She was also the youngest and the fastest girl at 14 to have covered the open sea distance of 37 kms and 17 kms in the Indian Ocean in 6 hours 35 minutes and 3 hours 58 minutes respectively. These open water swims are certified by Maharashtra State Amateur Aquatic Association whose strict rules prohibit the swimmer from touching the pilot boat, eating or drinking and where each kick, push or pull is noted down by the observer appointed by MSAAA.

Gaurvi represents her District and State at National Swim competitions. She is the proud holder of 43 gold, 19 silver and 5 bronze medals at various levels along with the State record for long distance 1500 m and 800 m swim. She broke the record of the 1500 m freestyle swimming in Rajasthan State Junior and Sub Junior category championship. She has won a bronze medal in the State open swimming championship held in 2018 and gained other awards and recognition from various reputed institutions and award bodies. She has been awarded by the Hon’ble Home Minister on National Republic Day and Independence Day respectively. Awarded by former Chief Minister of Rajasthan by the Rising Star title and by World Open Water Swimming Association.

Besides swimming, Gaurvi holds certificates of excellence in tennis, deep sea diving and skiing.

Gaurvi is a TED speaker and a corporate motivator. She has been a speaker at FICCI and CII as well. At present she is the District Youth Icon under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme appointed by the Election Commission in India with the aim of encouraging voter awareness and voter literacy to equip people with basic knowledge relating to the electoral process and power to choose the country’s leader.

Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Award titled Aravali Award - 2020 is conferred to Ms. Gaurvi Singhvi for achieving distinction in open water long distance swimming.

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 has been given to the Police Station Chechat, Kota Rural, Kota, Rajasthan.

Bhamashah Award

is a State award to honour excellence in students chosen from amongst all the Universities of Rajasthan. 16 students received this award for the academic year 2018-2019.

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. 17 students received this award for the academic year 2018-2019.

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. 48 students received this award for the academic year 2018-2019.