Kisan Choudhary, Jayant Bagal and Shilpa Dharmadhikari Honoured with ‘Sant Sevak’ Awards

• ‘Bolava Vitthal’ devotional programme in Pradhikaran celebrates faith, culture and the rich Warkari heritage of Maharashtra

 Akurdi : The devotional spirit of Ashadhi Ekadashi came alive at Pradhikaran as devotees gathered for the musical and cultural programme ‘Bolava Vitthal’, organised jointly by Anup More Social and Sports Foundation and Sanskruti Sanvardhan and Vikas Mahasangh.

Held at the G. D. Madgulkar Auditorium, the programme witnessed an enthusiastic response from Vitthal devotees, with the soulful rendition of abhangs and devotional songs creating an atmosphere of spirituality and devotion. The event also celebrated individuals who have made notable contributions to social service, spirituality, education and cultural values.

On the occasion, H.B.P. Kisan Maharaj Pandurang Choudhary, H.B.P. Jayant alias Appa Nemade Bagal and H.B.P. Shilpa Deepak Dharmadhikari were conferred with the ‘Sant Sevak Award’ in recognition of their contribution to social awareness, propagation of the Warkari tradition and service to humanity. The awardees were felicitated amid applause from the gathering.

The event was attended by prominent members of the Warkari community, social workers, citizens from various fields and a large number of Vitthal devotees.

Renowned singer and composer Kumar Karandikar led the musical presentation, captivating the audience with devotional abhangs. Shruti Karandikar, Saurabh Daftardar, Vaidehi Karambelkar, Indrayani Mahajan, Ankita Panderane and Omkar Patankar also enthralled the audience with their performances, immersing the auditorium in devotional music.

Former BJP Yuva Morcha state president Anup More said, “Ashadhi Ekadashi is not merely a religious festival; it is a sacred occasion that conveys the message of service, equality and humanity through the teachings of the saints. The ‘Sant Sevak Award’ has been instituted to honour those who work selflessly for society, inspire the younger generation through their contribution and strengthen the values of the Warkari tradition. Such social and cultural initiatives will continue in the future.”

Former deputy mayor and corporator Shailajatai More said, “The Sant tradition is the true identity of Maharashtra. It is our collective responsibility to honour those who uphold the values of social service, and humanity along with devotion. Through ‘Bolava Vitthal’, an effort was made not only to spread the message of devotion but also to bring the contribution of individuals working for society before the people. Such initiatives generate positive energy in society.”

The programme thus became a celebration of devotion, music, culture and the enduring social values of Maharashtra’s Warkari tradition.