Udaipur–Jodhpur: For his lifelong dedication to desert environmental conservation and water preservation, Udaipur-based Sandeep Rathore, a travel and lifestyle influencer, was conferred with the Lifetime Maru Ratna Award–2025. This prestigious honour was the highlight of the National Maru Ratna Awards–2025, jointly organized by Shri Pushkar Shripurohit Surjaj Roopdevi Memorial Women’s College and the Maru Environment Conservation Institute (DECO).
The grand ceremony was held on January 3, 2026, at the auditorium of Shri Pushkar Women’s College in Jodhpur. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and invocation before Goddess Saraswati. Eminent personalities contributing significantly in the fields of environmental protection, water conservation, animal welfare, women empowerment, and social awareness were felicitated during the ceremony.
The Chief Guest, Justice N.N. Mathur, emphasized that environmental conservation has become an urgent necessity of our times. He stressed the importance of educating women and children in environmental responsibility and highlighted the need for sustained efforts at both urban and rural levels to curb air and water pollution.
Guest of Honour Dr. S.L. Harsh—renowned scientist, former Vice-Chancellor of Jodhpur Agriculture University, and associated with CAZRI—shed light on the multidimensional aspects of environmental protection. He underlined the importance of agriculture, soil conservation, and water management as the foundation of balanced and sustainable development.
DECO Convener Dr. S.L. Harsh informed that the organization is implementing several innovative initiatives to transform environmental conservation into a mass movement. He described the work of Sandeep Rathore and other awardees as a source of inspiration for society.
On this occasion, 13 National Maru Ratna awardees were honoured with shawls, mementoes, and certificates of appreciation. The awardees included academicians, social workers, environmentalists, medical professionals, and public servants from various fields, with Sandeep Rathore representing Udaipur.
The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Om Prakash Lohta, Secretary of the College and Treasurer of Shri Pushkar Education Trust. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. K.K. Vyas, Principal of the College. The programme was skillfully compered by Dr. Rajesh Bohra and Dr. Asha Purohit.
The National Maru Ratna Awards–2025 ceremony not only celebrated individuals dedicated to environmental and social service but also delivered a powerful message of conservation, responsibility, and environmental sensitivity for future generations.


 

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