Governor Gulab Chand Kataria Honoured with ‘Sanskriti Ratna’ Award

True service lies in helping the helpless and educating the illiterate – Kataria
Janubhai’s contribution to values and nation-building is unforgettable – Kataria
Culture and values are eternal principles of life – Prof. Sarangdevot

Udaipur,  In a grand ceremony organised by Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University at the IT auditorium, Pratapnagar on Monday, the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria was conferred with the ‘Manishi Pandit Janardan Rai Nagar Sanskriti Ratna Alankaran’. The honour was bestowed in recognition of his unwavering dedication to Indian values, cultural and moral integrity, and his lifetime of public service.

The felicitation included a replica of the Ashoka Pillar, a memento of Bharat Mata, a citation, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, which Kataria graciously donated back to the university for its development.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Governor Kataria, Chancellor Bhanwar Lal Gurjar, Vice Chancellor Prof. Shiv Singh Sarangdevot, and Prof. Kailash Sodani of Mahaveer Kota Open University by offering floral tributes and lighting the ceremonial lamp before the idol of Maa Saraswati.

In his address, Governor Kataria said, “Janubhai's life was like a book of ideals which can guide generations. He tirelessly worked to integrate the underprivileged into the mainstream through value-based education. Nation-building and helping the needy are the ways to keep his thoughts alive.”

Kataria described Pandit Janardan Rai Nagar as a revolutionary thinker in the field of education who viewed education as a service to society. “He spread the light of knowledge among the deprived and uplifted them through education. Helping the helpless and educating the illiterate is the highest form of human service,” he added emotionally, reflecting on his own long association with Vidyapeeth as a teacher, worker, and student.

He emphasised that Janubhai upheld core values despite ideological differences and that his character reflected the discipline and dedication of a true teacher. He urged everyone to refine their deeds and lead meaningful lives. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarangdevot for carrying forward the vision of the institution with unwavering commitment.

Chancellor Bhanwar Lal Gurjar, in his special address, stated, “It is Rajasthan’s good fortune that a distinguished personality like Gulab Chand Kataria has been conferred with the Sanskriti Ratna. This award symbolises our ongoing effort to uphold and promote the legacy and values of the university’s founder, Pandit Janardan Rai Nagar.”

Vice Chancellor Col. Prof. Shiv Singh Sarangdevot, while reading the citation, remarked that culture and values are the eternal principles of life. He highlighted that Indian culture embodies both material and spiritual elements, making it both practical and inspirational. “Janubhai’s vision reflected inclusivity, women empowerment, and the upliftment of the underprivileged.”

In his remarks, Prof. Kailash Sodani said it was a matter of pride for all to honour a personality like Kataria, who has made significant contributions as an educationist, social worker, and politician. “This award is a tribute to his lifelong devotion to public service.”

The event saw participation from several dignitaries including former BJP District President Ravindra Shrimali, BJP leader and social worker Atul Chandaliya, Prof. Renu Rathore, Prof. Saroj Garg, Prof. Jeevan Singh Kharkwal, Dr. Kala Munet, Dr. Paras Jain, Dr. Yuvraj Singh Rathore, Prof. IJ Mathur, Dr. Hemendra Choudhary, Dr. Dharmendra Rajora, Dr. Shailendra Mehta, Prof. Gajendra Mathur, Prof. Manju Mandot, Dr. Sapna Shrimali, Dr. Ami Rathore, as well as various deans, directors of Vidyapeeth, and eminent citizens of the city.

The programme was gracefully anchored by Dr. Indu Bala Acharya.