Former CJI Lalit Hails Suryadatta Awards as a Beacon of Social Enlightenment
Honoring individuals from a wide array of fields on a single platform serves as a powerful tool for social enlightenment, according to former Chief Justice of India Uday U. Lalit. He emphasized that the presence of high achievers from arts, sports, science, economics, accounting, and public administration rendered the event multidimensional and profoundly inspiring.
Prestigious Ceremony Marks Suryadatta Group's 28th Foundation Day
Lalit delivered these remarks during the Suryadatta National Lifetime Achievement Awards and Suryadatta National Awards ceremony. The event was organized to commemorate the 28th foundation day of the Suryadatta Group of Institutes, which operates under the Suryadatta Education Foundation. The gathering took place at Buntara Bhavan in the Baner area of Pune.
The ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including former Chief Election Commissioner T. S. Krishnamurthy, former BJP national vice-president Shyam Jaju, and retired Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale. Other notable attendees were MIT dean Prof. Dr. Sharadchandra Darade, Suryadatta Group's Founder and Chairman Prof. Dr. Sanjay B. Chordiya, vice-chairperson Sushma Chordiya, associate vice-chairpersons Snehal Navalakha and Kimaya Gandhi, CEO Akshit Kushal, and chief development officer Siddhant Chordiya.
Recipients of Prestigious Awards Announced
Padma Shri Param Pujya Acharya Dr. Chandnaji Maharaj, also known as Tai Maa, was honored with the Suryadatta Global Peace Gandhian Philosophy Award 2026. The Suryadatta National Lifetime Achievement Awards were bestowed upon a remarkable group of individuals:
- Former CJI Uday U. Lalit
- Veteran actor Ashok Saraf
- Laughter yoga movement pioneer Vitthal Kate
- Former IAS officer Shekhar Gaikwad
- Actor Rakesh Bedi
- Builder Vilaskumar Palresha
- Director Subhash Sehgal
- Educationist Ashokkumar Thakur
- Scientist Dr. Anand Bhadalkar
- Legal expert Adv. Pramod Adkar
- Litterateur Prof. Surekha Kataria
- Entrepreneur Prakash Gandhi
- Global strategist Sanjay Puri
The Suryadatta National Awards were conferred on another distinguished set of achievers:
- Mahesh Suryavanshi of Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust
- Yoga guru Dr. Krishnadev Giri
- Actor and stand-up comedian Upasana Singh
- Indian chess Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte
- Supreme Court advocate Ashutosh Shrivastava
- Social activist Dr. Surendra Kumari
- Yoga trainer Rakhi Gugale
- Space scientist Dr. Kanak Saha
- Flautist Paras Nath
- Global Youth Ambassador Darasing Khurana
- Dr. Pramod Tripathi
- Mountaineer Ashish Mane
Additionally, chartered accountant Mohit Dhand, singers Preeti Dave and Pinky Dave, and swimmer Hatvi Shah received the Suryadatta National Young Achiever Award. Master Rishi Shiv Prasanna and Master Raghav Malpani were honored with the Suryadatta Little Master National Award.
Lalit Emphasizes Self-Belief and India's Demographic Dividend
In his address to the audience, former CJI Uday Lalit reflected on the universal doubts faced by young individuals regarding their potential for success. He asserted that self-belief, consistent hard work, and a commitment to excellence are the fundamental pillars that lead to significant achievements.
Lalit also highlighted India's considerable demographic dividend, noting that citizens under the age of 35 constitute a substantial portion of the population. He described the nurturing of this vast human resource as a critical nation-building task. The former Chief Justice praised the Chordiya couple for their effective efforts in promoting high-quality standards and value-based education through the Suryadatta Foundation.
Founder and Dignitaries Laud Institution's Mission
In his introductory speech, Founder and Chairman Prof. Dr. Sanjay B. Chordiya stated that Suryadatta has consistently emphasized holistic student development and value-based education since its establishment. He explained that the institution introduces role models from various sectors of society to students, aiming to shape them into responsible and conscientious Indian citizens.
Retired Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale stressed the importance of maintaining a connection to one's cultural and personal roots despite achieving professional success. He commended the Suryadatta family for skillfully balancing educational excellence with a strong sense of social responsibility.
MIT dean Prof. Dr. Sharadchandra Darade also praised the institution's remarkable progress and contributions. The event was competently compered by Shweta Rathod and Sandeep Patil, with Sushma Chordiya delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks to conclude the ceremony.
