Senior Citizens and Medical Service Honourees Recognised During Special Programme in Ujjain
Ujjain, September 29. Love and compassion towards every living being form the foundation of Sanatan Dharma, while excessive display and religious pretence have emerged as serious challenges to its deeper values, scholars said during a special discussion organised in Ujjain.
The views were expressed at a symposium on “Challenges Before Sanatan Dharma in the Present Times”, organised as part of the Senior Citizens Honour and Dialogue Day by Jeevan Udghosh Samiti, Ujjain, at Mahashweta Nagar.
The programme was organised on the occasion of the birthday of former Divisional Commissioner and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohan Gupta. Senior citizens were honoured by their own family members and close associates during the event.
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For the year 2025-26, the Smt. Vaijayanti Gupta Senior Citizen Honour was presented to Smt. Manju Singh, while the Dr. Ashok Gupta Medical Service Honour was conferred on senior physician Dr. Vimal Garg.
Sanatan Dharma Beyond Boundaries
Renowned Sanskrit scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of the Sanskrit institution in Delhi, Dr. Radhavallabh Tripathi, said Sanatan Dharma represents a philosophical foundation aimed at protecting human existence, promoting human welfare and guiding individuals towards spiritual realisation.
He described it as a way of life that teaches people how to live and emphasised that its principles are not confined by geographical, social or temporal boundaries.
During the programme, Dr. Mohan Gupta, President of the Ujjayini Vidwat Parishad, honoured Dr. Tripathi with the title of “Mahapandit.”
From Scriptures to Everyday Conduct
Former Vice-Chancellor and Sanskrit scholar Prof. Bal Krishna Sharma explained the concept of “Sanatan” through references to Indian scriptures, including the Manusmriti, Valmiki Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita.
He emphasised the importance of truth, ethical conduct, compassion, self-restraint and social responsibility. Citing examples from the lives and teachings of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and Yudhishthira, he said that Sanatan values are reflected through conduct rather than outward display.
Prof. Sharma also expressed concern that modern lifestyles and excessive dependence on mobile technology are distancing people from traditional values. He stressed the need to rediscover Sanatan Dharma through purity of conduct and understanding rather than through superficial demonstrations.
‘Sanatan Is for the Welfare of the Entire World’
Dr. Mohan Gupta said Sanatan Dharma is the foundation of Indian philosophical thought and should not be restricted to any particular country, caste, community or social group.
According to him, a philosophy that seeks the welfare of the entire world and brings people together reflects the universal character of Sanatan thought. He also stressed that social divisions and fragmentation should not be confused with the fundamental principles of Sanatan Dharma.
He described Sanatan as universal, timeless and all-pervasive, rather than something confined within narrow boundaries.
Human Values at the Centre
Dr. Shailendra Parashar said one of the central concerns of Sanatan culture has traditionally been the development of human values and the transformation of individuals into responsible human beings.
He observed that attempts by certain individuals or groups to redefine religious traditions according to their own interests can create confusion about the broader philosophical character of Sanatan Dharma.
Shri Shiv Chaurasia highlighted the traditional Indian emphasis on respect for nature. Recalling lessons from his childhood, he said elders taught children to treat rivers, mountains, trees and other elements of nature with respect.
He said the welfare of human beings, animals and the entire natural world forms an important part of the Sanatan outlook, adding that a principle that rises above narrow self-interest and works for universal welfare reflects the spirit of Sanatan.
Jeevan Udghosh Samiti’s Work for Seniors and Cows
Shri Prakash Vyas, president of Jeevan Udghosh Samiti, described Sanatan Dharma as a “school of life” that teaches people the art of living.
He said the organisation was established in 2014 and has since been involved in service initiatives for senior citizens and cow welfare. Its guiding motto is “From Retirement to Engagement”, reflecting its emphasis on continuing social and spiritual participation after retirement.
Vyas said Dr. Mohan Gupta has dedicated his birthday to senior citizen service and cow welfare, describing the initiative as an example of socially meaningful celebration.
Senior Citizens Felicitated
During the programme, several senior personalities were honoured by their family members and well-wishers with shawls and coconuts. Those felicitated included:
- Dr. S. N. Pandey, Ayurveda practitioner
- Prof. Radhavallabh Tripathi, Sanskrit scholar
- Prof. Vishnu Prasad Kachole, poet
- Dr. Chander Sonane, public relations professional and writer
- Shri Anil Kumar Rawat, environmental activist
The programme began with worship and floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati and portraits of Smt. Vaijayanti Gupta and Shri Ashok Gupta.
Shri Pilkendra Arora conducted the programme, while Smt. Radha Mittal presented the welcome song. Shri Prakash Vyas delivered the vote of thanks.
Among those present were Dr. R. A. Mudgal, Shri S. K. Dubey, Smt. Sangeeta Gupta, Smt. Chhaya Gupta, Shri Upendra Gupta, Shri Pankaj Mittal and several other guests and members of the community.
(SDNA)