Chennai:

At the 8th Bharatatma Ashok Singhal Vedic Awards 2024, held in Ayodhya under the banner of Singhal Foundation ( Udaipur), Shri Chandramouli Srowthi, a revered Vedic scholar and teacher, was honored with ‘Adarsh Vedaadhyaapak’ award. He was awarded a cash prize of 5 lakh rupees, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to Vedic education and training. Shri Srowthi, the managing trustee and chief teacher of the Sri Jagadhguru Vedha Kavya Vidhya Bhawanam Trust, Veda Sastra Patasala located in Guruvoyal Village, Thiruvallur District, Chennai, received the award from Shri Yogi Adityanath, in a grand ceremony.

During the ceremony Yogi Adityanath stated that “Singhal Ji’s endeavor for the upliftment of the untouchables was unmatched. The Vedic Schools, as well as the Ekal Schools initiated by him, were also part of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Movement.” Yogi said, “The Vedas are the root of all dharma in the world – Vedo Akhilo Dharma Moolam”. Revered Ashok Singhal embodied the ethos of the Vedas into life lessons for himself along with many others.

The award presented to Shri Chandramouli Srowthi is yet another recognition of his efforts to disseminate, preserve and protect the ancient wisdom of the Vedas. Shri Srowthi is one of many prominent scholars in the Samaveda tradition, to have trained several top-ranking Samavedin scholars, some of whom have earned certification from illustrious institutions such as Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and Sringeri Sharada Peetam.

In year 2000, Shri Chandramouli began teaching the Samaveda to 18 students at his home. The program has since expanded significantly, with 37 students having completed their studies of the Samaveda. Currently, his patasala has 44 students aged 5 to 22, continuing the tradition of Vedic studies.

Speaking on the occassion, Shri Chandramouli Srowthi reflected on the pride and humbleness he felt receiving the award from Shri Yogi Adityanath. “To receive this award from Yogi Adityanath Ji, someone I highly respect for being in service of Dharmic values, is very special for me. There may be a distance from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh, but his work is resonant viscerally with all of us” said Shri Srowthi. 

Shri Srowthi hopes that this recognition will inspire more young students to join the patasala and embark on the path of Vedic learning. “This award not only honors our past achievements but also paves the way for the future. We look forward to welcoming more students into our fold, continuing our mission of Vedic education,” he added.

This year’s Bharatatma Ashok Singhal Veda Awards were presented in four categories. Veteran Brahmarshi Vishnu Pattal Subramaniam received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, Acharya Gopal Chandra Mishra Vaidik Unnayan Samsthaan of Kashi was awarded seven lakh rupees for the ‘Uttam Ved Vidyaalay’, Narayan Lal Sharma from Rajasthan was honored with the ‘ Utkṛishṭ Ved Vidyaarthii ‘ with a cash prize of three lakh rupees, a medal, and a certificate.