Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan Honours Icons of Indian Culture at the Eighth Braj Ratna Awards Ceremony
Agra, India – The Eighth Braj Ratna Awards, an esteemed event organised by the Incredible India Foundation, took place at the Jaypee Palace Hotel, Agra, celebrating the achievements of exceptional individuals who have made lasting contributions to Indian culture, arts, and public service. The ceremony, graced by the presence of Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Indian classical traditions and their significance in shaping national identity.
In his address as the chief guest, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan emphasised the profound spiritual nature of India’s classical arts, observing, “Our traditions are pathways to higher understanding and self-realisation, not mere entertainment.” He praised the honourees for their roles in preserving and promoting Indian heritage, drawing a contrast between the fleeting allure of material wealth and the timeless essence of cultural knowledge.
Honouring Excellence Across Diverse Fields
This year’s Braj Ratna Awards recognised distinguished individuals across various fields:
– National Pride Award – Presented to acclaimed actor Raj Babbar for his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.
– Amritva Samman (posthumously) – Honoured Pt. Raghunath Talegaonkar, a revered musician of the Gwalior gharana.
– Other notable honourees included Surendra Pal (actor), Atul Sabharwal (screenwriter and director), Dr. Rajeev Jain (economist), Dr. Sadanand Brahmbhatt (classical musician), Dr. Sandhya Aggarwal (senior doctor), Balram Srivastava (writer and poet), Ruchi Sharma (Kathak dancer), and Sonia Sharma (national rifle shooter).
The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising the enduring light of knowledge and culture, and was led by Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Puran Dawar (Chairman of the Incredible India Foundation), Raj Babbar, Surendra Pal, Sandeep Kumar, and other distinguished guests. In his welcome address, Puran Dawar inspired the audience with his message of resilience and ambition, encouraging the youth to persevere toward their dreams with determination.
Inspiring Words from Honourees
Raj Babbar, a special honouree and iconic figure in Indian cinema, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It is a matter of pride to be honoured for my work. Art and artists, in every field, deserve respect as their contributions shape our society.” Fellow awardee Surendra Pal shared stories of his journey in the film industry, including memorable moments with his friend and actor Raj Babbar, evoking a sense of nostalgia and patriotism in the audience. His heartfelt recitation of a dialogue from his role as Dronacharya in Mahabharata received enthusiastic applause.
Unveiling of Puran Dawar’s Biography: A Journey of Tenacity and Success
A highlight of the evening was the release of the biography of Puran Dawar, Chairman of the Dawar Group, titled Unstoppable Pursuit of Progress, published by AsiaOne Magazine. The book was jointly unveiled by Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Raj Babbar, and AsiaOne CEO Sandeep Kumar. This biography chronicles Mr. Dawar’s inspiring journey from his beginnings as a refugee after the Partition to his successful establishment as a leading industrialist. It delves into his challenges and unwavering commitment to progress, providing an invaluable source of inspiration for future generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Sandeep Kumar of AsiaOne said, “This biography captures Mr. Dawar’s remarkable journey of resilience and vision. His story reflects not only personal triumphs but a broader narrative of India’s post-Partition entrepreneurial spirit.” Following its international launch in Dubai, Unstoppable Pursuit of Progress will be available in bookstores across India, the USA, and the UK, with a Hindi edition slated to be released in early 2025 at the 25th Edition of Asian Social and Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam, in Delhi.
About AsiaOne Magazine
AsiaOne Magazine is a premier international media house, recognised for celebrating excellence across industries and showcasing influential leaders, brands, and innovators. With a presence in 15 countries, including India, UAE, Singapore, and Australia, AsiaOne reaches over 150,000 readers across print, digital, and mobile app platforms, connecting professionals through insightful features, business summits, and prestigious award series. As part of UWG Media and URS Media Consulting, AsiaOne has developed notable Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) such as “World’s Greatest Brands & Leaders” to honour exceptional achievements in business, policy, and social impact.
AsiaOne’s television series, “Greatest Brands & Leaders,” is globally recognised as one of the most broadcasted business shows, airing across 41 countries with millions of viewers. This multimedia approach, including digital platforms and a mobile app, ensures AsiaOne delivers top-tier analysis and content on business, policy, and lifestyle, fostering thought leadership and encouraging strategic global alliances.
