Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2025: Saraswati Vidya Niketan honored for Empowering Minds, Bridging Cultures
An Inspirational Leader
- Swami Aksharanandaji’s visionary leadership has reshaped the educational landscape in Guyana
- His unwavering dedication to preserving Indian culture and fostering academic excellence has empowered countless students to embrace their heritage with pride
- The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is a fitting tribute to his lifelong efforts to uplift communities and promote cross-cultural understanding
Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN), a beacon of educational excellence and cultural preservation in Guyana, has been awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for 2025. This prestigious accolade, the highest honor bestowed upon overseas Indians, acknowledges SVN’s exemplary contributions to community service.
The recognition underscores the institution’s transformative impact in Guyana and its steadfast commitment to fostering equality, cultural pride, and well-being.
The award was presented during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, 2025. President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred the accolade at the Valedictory Session, symbolising the enduring bond between India and its diaspora.
A Visionary Institution
Founded by the Swami Aksharanandaji, Saraswati Vidya Niketan is a non-governmental, not-for-profit secondary school located within the serene premises of the Cornelia Ida Temple, WCD.
Swami Aksharanandaji, a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, USA, is known for his knowledge and wisdom.
The school’s journey began on Shri Krishna Janmashtami in 1998 with the Bhumi Puja performed by Shri Ashok Singhal, then-President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Dr. Prakash Joshi, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana at the time. Classes commenced on September 5, 2002, in a state-of-the-art facility accommodating 150 students.
SVN’s philosophy is rooted in the Indian civilizational ethos, which believes that knowledge is inherent within the individual soul. The school’s holistic approach prioritizes the overall development of students, emphasizing discipline, character building, and cultural pride. Swami Aksharanandaji envisioned SVN as a remedy to the imbalances in Guyana’s colonial legacy-driven education system, which often sidelined Indian cultural heritage.
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Saraswati Vidya Niketan’s recognition with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is not merely an accolade but a celebration of its enduring legacy
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As an institution that embodies the principles of discipline, cultural preservation, and holistic education, SVN continues to inspire and illuminate paths for future generations
Transformative Initiatives
SVN has emerged as a unique institution in Guyana, addressing pressing societal challenges. It has introduced innovative measures, including:
Blood Donation Drives: SVN has been recognized for organizing the largest blood donation drives in Guyana since 2007, a testament to its commitment to community welfare.
Philanthropic Contributions: SVN students have raised significant funds for charitable causes, including a donation of GY$273,000 to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre during Holi 2013.
Cultural Engagements: The school fosters cultural connections through initiatives like bhajan recitals, Kathak performances, and events that celebrate India’s rich heritage.
Recognition on a Global Stage
In November 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Saraswati Vidya Niketan during his historic trip to Guyana—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. He lauded the institution for its role in strengthening the India-Guyana cultural connection, emphasizing the thriving Indian traditions in the Caribbean. The Prime Minister’s participation in bhajan recitals and cultural activities further highlighted SVN’s pivotal role in bridging cultures.
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