"Even today, over 110 million people in India do not have access to healthcare. Dedicate your life to serving them. Vinoba Bhave once said, ‘Jai Jagat’—a sentiment echoed through Dr. Vishwanath Karad’s mission of world peace," said social activist and Director of SEARCH Foundation, Dr. Abhay Bang, while receiving the Bharat Asmita Lifetime Achievement Award at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU).

The Bharat Asmita National Awards 2025, jointly organized by MIT-WPU and the MIT School of Government, celebrated individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder-President of MIT-WPU, with Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar and Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi School of Management, as esteemed chief guests. Dr. Rahul V. Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU and Convener of the Bharat Asmita Awards Committee, along with Dr. Mangesh T. Karad and Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. M. Chitnis, were also present at the event.

The awards honored distinguished individuals for their contributions in various fields. Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Director of IIM Ahmedabad, received the Bharat Asmita Acharya Shreshtha Award for his outstanding work in education. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at WHO and Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, was honored with the Bharat Asmita Science & Technology Award for her contributions to global health and scientific research. Renowned filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri and celebrated singer-composer Shekhar Sen were presented with the Bharat Asmita Jan Jagran Shreshtha Award for their significant impact on art, culture, and public awareness. Each award included a cash prize of ₹2.5 lakh, a citation, and a memento.

The event also marked the celebration of Founder’s Day, during which Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad was honored with traditional gifts, including a Ghongadi (shawl), Tukaram Maharaj’s Pagdi (turban), a Sciences of Honor certificate, and a Veena, presented by distinguished guests as tokens of respect.

While addressing the gathering, Dr. Abhay Bang dedicated his award to the people of Gadchiroli, emphasizing the need to blend science, spirituality, and selfless service for the betterment of society. He expressed his delight at witnessing the integration of these values at MIT-WPU. Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from the awardees, stating that the Bharat Asmita Award recipients are true role models for the younger generation, and urged them to channel their energy into meaningful social contributions.

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad reflected on the teachings of Saint Dnyaneshwar, emphasizing the importance of walking the path of wisdom to steer humanity away from destructive tendencies. He highlighted how the World Peace Dome, the world’s largest dome, symbolizes India’s rich philosophical heritage, traditions, and culture. Dr. Rahul V. Karad remarked that the Bharat Asmita Awards instill a sense of national pride, urging the youth to shift from a colonial mindset to one rooted in indigenous values. He emphasized that using the term “Bharat” instead of “India” fosters a deeper connection with the nation’s identity.

Accepting his award, Prof. Bharat Bhaskar stressed the importance of expanding educational institutions by 16 times to achieve India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vivek Agnihotri remarked that students are the true custodians of India’s freedom, and the wisdom of saints continues to inspire the soul of the nation. Padma Shri Shekhar Sen called on every citizen to dedicate themselves to the service of the motherland, urging students to pursue education with the goal of contributing to national development.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan emphasized Mahatma Gandhi’s belief in the transformative power of science and technology for human development, while addressing the unique challenges faced by today’s youth in the era of social media.

The event concluded with heartfelt reflections on the significance of service, education, and national pride. The ceremony was anchored by Prof. Dr. Gautam Bapat, with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Mangesh T. Karad, acknowledging the contributions of all participants and guests who made the event a resounding success.