Published on: April 8, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Under the leadership of the Shri Bageshwar Dham Temple Charitable Trust, along with organizations like Diya Mandal Gayatri Pariwar, Shivnath Regional Development Committee, Kasturba Mahila Mandal, Kasoudhan Vaishya Samaj Mahila Mandal, Astha Mook Badhir Vidyalaya, and several other service-oriented institutions, a collaborative service pavilion is organized every Navratri for the welfare of Dongargarh pilgrims.
During the 9-day celebration, arrangements for rest, medical aid, refreshments, and meals are made for pilgrims through the support of generous social contributors. Sharing details about the initiative, coordinators Pankaj Gupta, Suraj Gupta, Rajesh Sharma, Yogesh Sahu, Saurabh Khandelwal, Vijay Gupta, event chairman Bhavesh Agrawal, women’s wing president Madhukhandelwal, and convenor Pragya Gupta highlighted a remarkable addition from 2024 onwards.
Each Navratri, one distinguished individual contributing significantly to society and spirituality is honored with the ‘Rajnandgaon Ratna’ award. The inaugural year saw Dr. D.C. Jain of Shivnath Regional Development Committee honored, followed by Bhagwat Acharya Pt. Vinod Goswami in the second edition. This year, the honor was conferred upon Ashok Lohia, president of the Satyanarayan Temple Committee and Sumati Mandal Ganesh Utsav Committee, for dedicating his life to religious and social service.
Lohia has been actively involved with numerous institutions. Since 1988, he has played a key role in establishing multiple Saraswati Shishu Mandirs. He currently serves as the State Vice President of Chhattisgarh Provincial Agrawal Organization, Treasurer of Ramayan Sangh Trust, Vice President of Saraswati Sahitya Prachar Samiti, Patron of Shri Shyam Parivar Mitra Mandal, and Vice President of District Gram Bharati.
Trust convenor Pragya Gupta presented an insightful overview of his life and contributions.
In his address, Lohia remarked, “Human life has true meaning only when it is devoted to serving others. This honor reflects recognition of the spirit of service, not just the individual.”
The event was gracefully conducted by Pankaj Gupta.
