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Mumbai Head Office
Shri Priyavadan Desai, a veteran of Mafatlal Group of Companies, passed away on March 16, 2025 at Mumbai. Due to age related complications he was ailing for some time. He was 93.
Shri Desai studied finance, law, secretarial practice and commerce. He held positions of Financial Controller, Company Secretary, Chief Auditor, Senior Vice President, Executive Director and Advisor in large Indian Corporations for about 65 years.
Shri Desai’s association with the Bhavan started from 2005 onwards. His book Bhagawad Gita: Encyclopedia of Management Principles and Scientific Living published by the Bhavan in 2010, was well received in India and abroad. He contributed articles regularly to Bhavan’s Journal.
The Bhavan offers condolences to members of the bereaved family. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace.
Mumbai Head Office
Bhavan’s Central office bid an emotional farewell to Shri P. R. Ambelkar, Deputy Registrar, on March 25, 2025, after 58 years of exemplary service. Joining the institution on January 16, 1967, he served with unwavering dedication even after his superannuation in 2008, continuing as Deputy Registrar till 2025. His colleagues celebrated his sincerity, humility, and immense contributions, making him a cherished pillar of the Bhavan family. His legacy of commitment and warmth will forever inspire those who had the privilege of working with him.
Superannuation
Mrs. Geetha Subramanian was working as an Assistant in Bhavan’s Shikshan Bharati, Andheri, for the last 18 years. She attained superannuation on March 29, 2025. She was always a sincere, dedicated and hard-working staff member. Wishing her a happy life in the years ahead, to be filled with new adventures and cherished moments.
Smt. Rajalakshmi attained superannuation on March 31, 2025, after putting in over 36 years of service. Bhavan’s Tardeo office colleagues (Publication Division) gave her a warm and emotional farewell on March 29, 2025. Her colleagues, while wishing her a happy and peaceful life of retirement, appreciated her sincere and dedicated work. A few of her ex-colleagues and family members, too, were present at the occasion.
Mumbai Head Office
Shri Niranjan Mehta (Kala Kendra) has been honoured by Maharashtra State Gujarati Sahitya Academy with the ‘Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar’ (Lifetime Achievement Award) for his contribution in the field of Arts. The Award includes a citation and an amount of Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh).
Online Lecture
The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan paid homage to its Founder-President Kulapati Dr. K.M. Munshi on his 137th birth anniversary on December 30, 2024. On this occasion, the Parayana of Vedic hymns was performed by the staff-members of Bhavan’s P.G. and Research Dept. and Sanskrit Exam. Depts., and an online lecture (in Hindi) on the ‘Importance of Sanskrit learning for the different dimensions of human-life’ was delivered by Dr. Madhusudan Vyas, Professor and Head of Sanskrit Dept., Shri K.R. Katara Arts College, Shamlaji, Gujarat, at the Central Bhavan.
Book Talk
Bhavan’s Munshi Saraswati Mandir Granthagar has initiated a new series of programmes called ‘Pages & Perspectives—A Readers’ Retreat’. Under this series, programmes like book talks, discussions, contests, and other similar activities will be held to interest and engage readers.
The first event of the Series was organised on February 28, 2025, at the Bhavan’s Library. The author Shri Salil Tripathi talked about his latest book The Gujaratis: A Portrait of a Community along with Shri Prabodh Parikh. Around fifty people attended the event.
Shri Salil Tripathi explained the idea and inspiration behind writing this book. He talked about the known and not-so-well-known traits of the Gujarati community by quoting various anecdotes from his wide range of experiences.
Bhavan’s A. H. Wadia High School
* K. P. West Ward level, Science Exhibition and Sahashaleya competitions:The school has bagged 13 Prizes at the Inter-School Science Exhibition and Sahashaleya competitions organised by the Education Department for K/P West Ward schools.
* At the Aagaaz Fest 2024 organised by K. H. M. W. Junior College of Science and Commerce, the school won the Best School Trophy for bagging maximum prizes in the events.
* The students from Pre-primary, Primary and Secondary Sections participated in the Chinmaya Geeta Fest 2024 on the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, organised by Chinmaya Mission Mumbai. Out of the 36 participants, 13 students won prizes. The school was awarded the Best School Trophy in the competition, highlighting the collective excellence of the students.
* At the XXI Mumbai Interschool Sports Kudo Tournament organised by Nippon Budo Sogo International India, the students clinched 6 Gold, 9 Silver and 23 Bronze Medals in the kicks and squats categories, earning an impressive Third Place overall. Additionally, Mast. Abdul Ahad Chaudhary of Std. 4 won a cycle in the lucky draw contest.
* A support staff member, Mrs. Priyanka Pawar, won the 1st Prize in the Inter-School Free-hand Rangoli Design Competition organised by the Education Department, K. West Ward.
* An Administrative staff member, Mrs. Rutali Deolekar, won the Consolation Prize in the Inter-School Games Competition, organised by the Education Department, K. West Ward.
* Mast. Aarush Pawar from Std. 10 secured the 3rd prize in the Peace Poster Contest organised by the Mohalla Committee Movement Trust. The contest was based on the theme of Communal Harmony and National Integration.
* Miss. Prisha Nimbolkar of Std. 7 bagged two Bronze Medals in XXI Mumbai Interschool Sports Kudo Tournament, in the Kumite and Kata event, for the Girls under 13 Category, organised by Nippon Budo Sogo International India.
* At the Artistic Gymnastics event organised by the Body Mind Rhythm Academy at the Andheri Sports Complex, the following students bagged prizes:
* Miss Anaya Pillai of Std. 3, representing Level 1, displayed exceptional skill and secured the First Place in the Vaulting Table event.
* Mast. Samarth Rane of Std. 3, also represented Level 1 and achieved remarkable success by winning the First Place in Horizontal Bar and Pommel Horse. He also secured the Second Place in Parallel Bars, Vaulting Table and the All-Round event.
Mumbai Head Office
The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s 87th Foundation Day was celebrated on November 7, 2024. On this occasion, the Parayana of Rudradhyaya and other hymns was performed by Dr. S.G. Mishra, Additional Examination Secretary, Bhavan’s Higher Sanskrit Exams. Dept., and Dr. Hitesh Trivedi, Asst. Director, Bhavan’s P.G. and Research Dept.
A lecture (in Marathi) on ‘Vedic Foundation of Indian Cultural Heritage’ was delivered online by Prof. Dr. Ravindra Muley, Former Director, Centre of Advanced Study in Sanskrit, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune. In his enchanting lecture, Prof. Dr. Ravindra Muley discussed the various aspects of the Vedic basis of Indian cultural heritage.
Mumbai Head Office
Padmabhushan for Sri Nalli Kuppuswamy
Industrialist and philanthropist Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti, Vice-Chairman, Chennai Kendra, has been honoured with the Padmabhushan. He was previously honoured with the Padmasri in 2003. He said, “This honour was due to the efforts, quality and capability of our weavers. That’s why I will dedicate it in the name of my weavers.”
The Nalli Silks owner believes that his principles of honesty, quality and timely delivery are the reasons his business has reached this level.
The 84-year old industrialist also shared a success mantra for the younger generation, “One thing I want to say to the youngsters: Don’t do business or a job only for the money. You must love what you do, and money will come to you automatically.”
Padmasri for Sri C. S. Vaidyanathan
Delhi Kendra Vice-Chairman, Senior Advocate C. S. Vaidyanathan, a legal luminary, received the Padmasri for his outstanding contribution to the field of law. Vaidyanathan has represented high-profile cases and is known for his dedication to upholding justice.
Mumbai Head Office
Munshi Saraswati Mandir Granthagar—The Bhavan’s Library—organised a Members’ Meet on January 4, 2025. The purpose of the Meet was to interact with the library members and provide an opportunity for them to know and meet other members with similar reading interests. 
The event received a very enthusiastic response and was attended by around 60 members, including some with their family. They included the Library’s very senior members (over 80 years of age) who have been associated with the library for many decades to child members (7–12 years of age). Members appreciated this initiative and praised the library’s collection, services provided by the library team over the years, as well as the warm and friendly environment.
Mumbai Head Office
The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's 87th Foundation Day was celebrated on Thursday, 7-11-2024. On this occasion, the Parayana of Rudradhyaya and other hymns was performed by Dr. S.G. Mishra, Additional Examination Secretary, Bhavan's Higher Sanskrit Exams. Dept., and Dr. Hitesh Trivedi, Asst. Director, Bhavan's P.G. & Research Dept.
A lecture (in Marathi) on 'Vedic Foundation of Indian Cultural heritage' was delivered online by Prof. Dr. Ravindra Muley, Former Director, Centre of Advanced Study in Sanskrit, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune. Dr. S.G. Mishra, rendered the Vedic prayer. Dr. Hitesh Trivedi, delivered the welcome address, introduced the speaker.
In his enchanting lecture, Prof. Dr. Ravindra Muley discussed the various aspects of the Vedic basis of Indian cultural heritage. He discussed many topics related with the Vedic foundation of different religious traditions, various scriptures, education, social harmony, cultural unity of nation, economic growth, noble conduct, relationship of human beings with nature, and spiritual upliftment.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Priyanaka Vaidya, Asst. Examination Officer, Bhavan's Sanskrit Exams. Dept., and Dr. Hitesh Trivedi compered the programme.
Mumbai Head Office
The Bhavan, in association with the Progressive and Cultural Mahila Mandal, set up a book stall near Mantralaya on the occasion of Shankho Dhwani Sarbojanin Durgotsav-24, from October 8-13, 2024. It received an overwhelming and enthusiastic response. Many book-lovers visited the stall and purchased our publications.
Nrityanjali-FEST Book Exhibition
The Bhavan in association with the Nrityanjali had set up a Book Stall on the occasion of 38th Nrityanjali FEST— Inter School Competitions at Andheri on December 1, 2024. An overwhelming and enthusiastic response was received from the students, teachers and parents.
Conference on AMR
To discuss the global challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Bhavan’s Research Center, Bhavan’s College, Mumbai, hosted the 5th International Conference on Bacteriophage Research and Antimicrobial Resistance in association with the Society of Bacteriophage Research and Therapy. The conference featured esteemed speakers from the USA, UK, Slovenia, New Zealand, Georgia, and Belgium, who presented papers on diverse bacteriophage applications spanning human health, animal health, environmental sustainability, and food safety. Their presentations highlighted global advancements and innovative approaches to combating antimicrobial resistance.
The conference was inaugurated by senior ICMR scientist, Dr Kamini Walia, who leads the Antimicrobial Resistance Initiative of ICMR. The conference drew a notable attendance of 135 delegates, including representatives from institutions such as IITs, NCL, TIFR, Amity University, Anna University, Bennett University, and Central University of Tamil Nadu.
Mumbai Head Office
Achievements
* Smt. Uma Arora, Principal, was bestowed with the ‘Best Principal Award 2024’ by Mr Ravindra Dattaram Waikar, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to excellence in education. She was selected amongst the heads of 700 participating schools in the North West Lok Sabha Constituency, Mumbai.
At the KP West Ward Level Sahashaleya Inter-school Competitions 2024, students and teachers won multiple awards across various categories. Their dedication, hard work and teamwork were evident in every event, showcasing not only their skills but also their passion for excellence.
* Miss Ayesha Shaikh of Std. 2 secured the Third Place in the Ward-Level Drawing Competition organised by the Education Department.
* Ms. Aaradhya Chodankar won the 2nd place in the Balance Beam event, at the 1st Level-Wise District Championship in Men’s / Women’s Artistic Gymnastics, conducted by Brihanmumbai Jilha Gymnastics Sanghatana.
* Ms. Sia Samant of Std. 8 bagged a Consolation price in the Inter-school Storytelling Competition conducted by Brihanmumbai Nimnastar Marathi Shikshak Sanghatana.
Shraddhanjali
Prof. Gustashp B. Forbes, the eminent Astrologer and former Principal of Bhavan’s Jyotisha Bharati, passed away on October 23, 2024. Born on October 27, 1944, in Mumbai, he was a Chartered Accountant and served at Lakme company.
He stood first at the Jyotirvid examination of Bombay Astrological Society (New Bhavan’s Jyotisha Bharati) in 1982, and in 1983 he joined as a faculty member. He taught various subjects of Astrology at Bhavan’s Jyotisha Bharati for almost 35 years. He was appointed as the Principal of Bhavan’s Jyotisha Bharati in March 2010. He represented Bhavan’s Jyotisha Bharati in January 2016 at the Kolkata seminar of Astrology. He was deeply interested in the Tropical (Sayana / Western) system of Astrology. He has compiled and written books on Astrology for the students of Bhavan’s Jyotisha Bharati. He donated 547 books of Astrology to Bhavan’s Jyotisha Bharati in March 2023. He was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Astrology by Bhavan’s Jyotisha Bharati during the Astrology Seminar organised in March 2017.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Mumbai Head Office
Saraswati Puja was organised at the Bhavan’s Munshi Saraswati Granthagar (Bhavan’s Library) on October 10, 2024. Shri Vishwanath Sachdev, eminent Hindi Litterateur and Editor of Bhavan’s Hindi Monthly ‘Navneet’, performed the puja as the host in the presence of all staff members of the Bhavan’s various institutes and departments.
Shri H. N. Dastur, Executive Secretary of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan with Bhavan’s Ladies Staff during Navratri Celebrations.
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