MIT World Peace University Celebrates Bharat Asmita National Awards (BANA) Ceremony and Founder’s Day

Mumbai/Pune, February 4, 2025: MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) celebrated the prestigious Bharat Asmita National Award (BANA) Ceremony, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to society in fields such as social activism, healthcare, governance, and the arts. The event also marked Founder’s Day, a special occasion honouring the 85th birthday of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, the guiding force behind the university’s establishment and growth. The ceremony was further enriched by a live musical performance from the iconic Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher, whose soulful melodies captivated the audience and added a festive spirit to the celebrations.

This year’s Bharat Asmita National Award recipients included a distinguished group of individuals: Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, the director of IIM Ahmedabad; Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization; Shri Vivek Agnihotri, a renowned film producer, director, and author; and Shri Shekhar Sen, a noted singer and musical composer, all of whom received recognition. Padma Shri Dr. Abhay Bang, a leading social activist and the director of the Search Foundation, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation and Former Chief Scientist, World Health Organization said, “Science without humanity is one of the seven social sins, as Gandhiji said, and it holds true even today. Knowledge is best used when shared—it multiplies a thousand times and benefits countless others. Science and technology can solve many pressing issues like climate change, pandemics, and malnutrition. It is essential for young people to focus on innovation, guided by their passion and a sense of responsibility. Let us use science wisely to create solutions for a better future.”

Sharing his thoughts during the event, Vivek Agnihotri, Acclaimed Film Producer, Director & Author said, "Protecting freedom is not just a right; it is our duty. True freedom is safeguarded only when we cultivate wisdom and deep understanding. One may earn degrees and achieve financial success, but true peace comes from righteous actions. Real peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is the result of thinking beyond the ordinary, of striving for a world where knowledge empowers and justice prevails. We must fight for peace and fight for freedom, not with force but with the power of wisdom. To the students present here, always remember: freedom is not merely given; it is earned through awareness, courage, and responsibility."
The university remains at the forefront of shaping the future of Bharat by empowering students, promoting innovation, and fostering leadership across a diverse range of disciplines.

Padma Shri Dr. Abhay Bang, a leading social activist and the director of the Search Foundation said,” MIT World Peace University is a place where we discuss world peace at a time when political parties and global leaders are driving people apart. Here, we take pride in discussing world peace, thanks to the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad. From parliamentarians to sarpanches, the emphasis on governance and political responsibility is commendable. My mission in life is not over yet—many people, especially the poor in rural and tribal areas, are still waiting for essential healthcare services. I hope young people will step forward to fulfill these needs.”

On the occasion, Rahul V. Karad, Managing Trustee and Executive President, MIT-WPU said, “Swami Vivekananda proclaimed long ago the unification of science and spirituality and how it can help create better human beings. He was a torchbearer of this vision and a symbol of world peace. We strive to communicate his message to the student community, emphasizing the importance of independent thinking. Each of us has our own thought process, and we must not blindly follow the West. This is the message I wish to convey. Our institution does not merely provide a professional degree; it instills in us the knowledge and responsibility to use that degree for societal and global transformation.”

MIT-WPU’s commitment to nurturing individuals who are not only academically successful but also socially responsible is a testament to the enduring influence of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D Karad’s vision.