Padma Bhushan Award – Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda

The President of India arrived at exactly 11:30am and was saluted by military drums and the National Anthem followed thereafter. The awardees were all great achievers in their own fields and there was huge applause for each one as the President himself pinned on the medals – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Our Pujya Guruji was so simple, gracious, holy and divine among the other glitterati: Priyanka Chopra, Sania Mirza, Paresh Rawal, Rajnikant and others. It is a big moment of pride for the entire Chinmaya Mission worldwide! The award, by Pujya Gurudev’s blessings, bestows on the Mission National honour, prestige, pride of recognition and the fragrance of a country’s love and salutation. The President, the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Transport and Roads Minister, Power Minister etc. were all there including the top brass of the three defence forces and top government servants. The heart swelled with pride and the eyes were moist with gratitude, they all honoured our Chinmaya Mission in honouring Pujya Guruji. The function came to a close with the National Anthem, and tea hosted by the President in the Grand Old Ball Room and Ashoka Hall with its garden views and painted ceilings! Glory to Chinmaya Mission!

Back at the Chinmaya Centre for World Understanding, Delhi, Pujya Guruji was welcomed with dance, drums, aarti and flowers. Devotees danced their way to Pujya Gurudev’s Pratima sthal. Pujya Guruji first and foremost prayed to and thanked his beloved and revered teacher, Pujya Gurudev. It was so touching when he put the awarded Padma Bhushan and the citation at Pujya Gurudev’s feet and then in his lap with so much love and devotion. This selfless devotion was a great teaching to all Mission members on selfless service and graceful renunciation.

We share this historic and joyous moment with some precious photographs (Photographs 1–4 courtesy of the Honourable Government of India) and the video (courtesy of Doordarshan National) of the Civil Investiture Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82EUjg5FhTo