Pandurang Shastri
Pandurang Shastri Athavale, aka “Dadaji,” was a philosopher, Indian activist, religion reformist, and more.
The world has been a witness to the rise of too many professionals, thought leaders, gurus, and other influential figures. However, a few among them have gone against the tides and created a positive rage with what they achieved through their incredible work.
It is more than essential today to put more light on such powerful personalities who believe in spreading the good among others, just like the revered late Shri Pandurang Shastri Athavale with his revolutionary work.
Pandurang Shastri Athavale was born in the village of Roha in the Konkan region in Maharashtra. Born in a Brahmin family of Vaijnath Athavale, who had five sons, he grew up with the right set of values and principles and very early understood the importance of hard work and perseverance. As he grew up, his inclination towards learning more about the Bhagwad Geeta and every aspect of Hindu Dharma grew. Everyone in Maharashtra was also aware of this fact.
He explained Bhagvat Geeta in the easiest manner to everyone he met, starting from towns to districts to states, then nation, and to the world.
With this began a new beginning for him, leading him to start Swadhyay Parivar to help people understand Hindu Dharma’s beauty and how to live life. He is a true example of a social revolutionary and religion reformist.
He rejected all the lucrative offers that were given to him from various parts of the world. This in itself proved how influential a personality Pandurang Shastri Athavale has been. He was invited by top countries and their dignitaries to spread his knowledge. All this can also be attributed to his endless knowledge, his immense love for religious texts, and his supreme love for his nation and his Dharma. He always believed that Hindu Dharma is the basis of everything and thus is the most balanced and advanced.
Though his portfolio consists of tons of awards, accolades, and recognitions, a few among them are as follows:
In 1996, he received the Magasaysay Award in Britain. The eminent Award is for community leaders. Apart from these, many other awards he was bestowed with were:
- 1999 Padma Vibhushan
- 1997 Templeton Prize
- 1996 Ramon Magsaysay Award
- 1986 Vision of God
- 1992 Lokmanya Tilak Award
- 1996 National Integration Award
What is astounding is how this man never focused on his personal wins but the wins of others with the aim to provide value to people’s lives through his reforming works. People from across the world learned about his revolutionary works and how he dedicated his life to them, which earned him even more recognition and respect. Everyone today remembers him as a man of values and Dharma.
In more than 70 countries, his thoughts and his given messages are followed by millions worldwide. He has changed the lives of millions in the past, and even today, his way of living is followed by many worldwide.
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