Science Committee Patron Dr. Kundan Lal Kothari Receives Maharana Pratap Samman 2026

Udaipur: “The Maharana Pratap Samman is like a booster tonic for me. It will continue to inspire me to contribute to society and the nation throughout the remainder of my life,” said 90-year-old Dr. Kundan Lal Kothari while delivering his acceptance speech after receiving the prestigious honour.

The occasion was the 26th Mewar Gaurav Felicitation Ceremony, organized by Sajeev Seva Samiti on the eve of the birth anniversary of the great Maharana Pratap at the Vigyan Samiti Auditorium, where the Maharana Pratap Samman 2026 was conferred upon Dr. Kothari.

According to General Secretary Shantilal Bhandari, the programme was attended by Mohanlal Sukhadia University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kailash Daga as the Chief Guest, Ranjeet Singh Choudhary as the President of the ceremony, and Dr. A.S. Chundawat as the keynote speaker. Also present on the dais were Prof. Mahip Bhatnagar, President of Vigyan Samiti, Dr. R.K. Garg, President of the organizing institution, and General Secretary Shantilal Bhandari.

Media Coordinator Prof. Vimal Sharma informed that the programme commenced with floral tributes to the portrait of Maharana Pratap and the felicitation of the dignitaries on stage. This was followed by a welcome address by Dr. L.L. Dhakad, an introduction to the organization by Shantilal Bhandari, and a self-composed poem on Maharana Pratap recited by Dr. Vimal Sharma. Keynote speaker Dr. A.S. Chundawat highlighted the extraordinary character, values, and ideals of Maharana Pratap.

As part of the Maharana Pratap Samman, Dr. Kothari was honoured with a ceremonial tilak, shawl, garland, traditional honour cloth (Aparna), citation, and a cash award. In a noble gesture, Dr. Kothari returned the cash award to the institution. Copies of the citation were distributed among all 125 guests present in the auditorium, and Dr. K.P. Talesara read out the citation.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kailash Daga described Maharana Pratap as a true son of Mewar and a symbol of courage, integrity, and patriotism. He captivated the audience by reciting the famous poem “Neela Ghoda Ra Aswar,” which he has memorized since childhood, creating an atmosphere filled with patriotic and heroic fervour.

Ceremony President Ranjeet Singh Choudhary delivered the presidential address, while Dr. Uma Shankar Sharma and Prof. Mahip Bhatnagar also addressed the gathering.

The programme was conducted by Prakash Tated. Following the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. R.K. Garg, the event concluded with the National Anthem and a fellowship dinner.