New Delhi [India], October 1: At Preksha Vishva Bharati in Koba, Gandhinagar, the “Acharya Tulsi Samman Samaroh” was organized today by the Acharya Tulsi Mahaprajna Vichar Manch under the chairmanship of the Governors of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Shri Acharya Devvrat, and in the special presence of the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel.
- “One should never do work that generates fear, shame, or doubt” – Governor Acharya Devvratji
- “Great men and saints are messengers sent by the Almighty” – Governor
- “Through journalism, I will continue to make efforts to awaken moral values” – Shri Rajat Sharma
- “Where there is truth, penance, and non-violence, there is religion” – Acharya Mahashramanji
The Chief Minister sought blessings from Acharya Mahashramanji of the Terapanth Jain community and offered respects to the monks, nuns, and followers, winning everyone’s hearts.
On this occasion, Shri Rajat Sharma, Editor-in-Chief of India TV and recipient of the Padma Bhushan, was honored with the 16th “Acharya Tulsi Samman” by the Governor for his clean, balanced, and positive contributions to journalism. He was presented with a citation, a memento, and a cash prize of one lakh rupees. Shri Sharma announced that he would donate the prize money to the India TV Trust, which works for children’s education.
The Governor remarked that one who violates the eternal laws of creation can never be happy. In the Jain tradition established by Lord Mahavira, non-violence is the cornerstone. Where there is violence, there is suffering; where there is non-violence, there is joy. He cited the scriptures: “Do not engage in work that creates fear, shame, or doubt.”
Praising Shri Rajat Sharma, the Governor said that, like saints, journalism too plays a sacred role in nation-building. True journalism means courage, truth, and integrity – values reflected in Shri Sharma’s fearless and principled reporting.
Responding to the honor, Shri Rajat Sharma said that every recognition comes with greater responsibility. He praised Acharya Mahashramanji’s dedication to humanity, noting his lifelong service and over 60,000 kilometers of padayatra (foot journeys).
In his blessings, Acharya Mahashramanji emphasized that the power of religion and spirituality is unique. Where there is non-violence, penance, and self-restraint, there is true religion. He stressed the crucial need for positive journalism to guide society in the right direction.
The event also featured an address by Shri Vishwanath Sachdev, Editor of Navneet, and a welcome speech by Shri Rajkumar Pugalia, President of the Acharya Tulsi Mahaprajna Vichar Manch.
Over 700 monks and nuns of the Terapanth Jain community, along with community leaders, retired Deputy Information Director Shri Pankaj Modi, and a large gathering of devotees, brothers, sisters, and children, were present on the occasion.
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