Alappuzha: Considering his comprehensive contributions to Sanatana Dharma literature, the Kerala Hindus of North America (KHNA) presented its inaugural Sanatana Dharma Literary Guru Excellence Award to the distinguished scholar and teacher Dr. C. T. Francis. At the KHNA Kerala Convention held in Alappuzha, Swami Chidanandapuri conferred the award, which included a cash prize of one lakh rupees and a citation. Dr. Francis was selected for the award in recognition of his profound scholarship in Indian Sanatana literature, his expertise in the Sanskrit language, his teaching career spanning over four decades, and his notable contributions to the study and promotion of Sanatana Dharma literature. Through KHNA’s spiritual committee, Dr. Francis has introduced Sanatana Dharma literary works and expounded their philosophical concepts, actively working to pass down Indian knowledge traditions to younger generations. KHNA instituted this award to honor acharyas who have dedicated their lives to the study and propagation of Sanatana Dharma literature. Going forward, every two years, at the KHNA Kerala Convention held in Kerala, a deserving acharya will be bestowed with a cash prize of one lakh rupees and a citation. The Shanta–Gopinath Pillai family generously donated the funds required for the award and has also taken steps to ensure the financial support needed to continue awarding it in the coming years. This backing from the family for the study of Sanatana Dharma literature and the honoring of acharya traditions strengthens KHNA’s cultural and spiritual initiatives. The award presentation ceremony was chaired by KHNA President T. Unnikrishnan and attended by prominent figures including Dr. M. G. Sashibhooshan, advocate, orator, anchor and editor Adv. A. Jayashankar, Asha Menon, and Dr. J. Prameela Devi. The Kerala Convention’s cultural significance was further elevated by presenting the Arshadarshan Award honoring creative contributions to Malayalam literature alongside the Guru Excellence Award recognizing scholarship and teaching excellence in Sanatana Dharma literature on the same platform. Highlighting the role of literature, philosophical thought, and spiritual knowledge in shaping society’s value system, the ceremony marked a new chapter in KHNA’s efforts to honor knowledge, acharya heritage, and Indian cultural legacy.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
