Chidanand Saraswati, the head of Parmarth Niketan based in Rishikesh, was conferred with the HSS Mahatma Gandhi lifetime Peace and Service Award by the President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. The President said that he is being bestowed with the award for ‘his unparalleled work for interfaith harmony and service for all of humanity, with no discrimination, no expectation, no hesitation and no vacation’. Notably, HSS is an organisation founded by Mahatma Gandhi prior to independence.
HSS leaders and representatives of different faiths who were present said that they would work hard together to help the execution of the Swachchh Bharat Mission while contributing to the building of toilets and conservation of natural resources.
As a symbol of compassion, oneness and unity-qualities which Mahatma Gandhi embodied- a piece of the Bodhi Tree from Bodh Gaya was planted by the President on the occasion in the presence of Chidanand Saraswati and other religious leaders.
The President said that an important message of environmental conservation and preservation was being conveyed through it.
While lauding the works done by the Rishikesh-based Saraswati, the President said that he is known for bringing saplings from Rishikesh by way of sending the green message to the masses. Speaking to The Pioneer over phone, Chidanand Saraswati said, “Along with a clean India, we must have a green India. Today, we have planted a sapling which would evolve into a tree while embodying the message of green India and holding a hope for the generations to come.”
Important leaders of leaders of various faiths were present on the occasion.