From the Parisara Ratna to Padma Bhushan, Sri Balagangadharanatha Swami was awarded numerous prestigious awards for his philanthropy, vision, and kind-heartedness.
The Swami took over the Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math as the 71st Seer of the ancient Natha Center of Worship on 24 September 1974 at the age of 30, till his demise in 2013.
Under his patronage, the math had grown rapidly and was involved in various social work ranging from environmental conservation to education.
Balagangadharanatha Swami – Quick Facts
- He was named Gangadharaiah at birth
- 18/1/ 1945 – 13/1/2013
- Seer of Adichunchanagiri (1970 – 2013)
- Founder of Sri Adichuchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and other charitable organizations
- Padma Bhushan awardee
Balagangadharanatha Swami – Early Years
Sri Balagangadharanatha Swami was born on 18th January 1945 to Smt. Boramma and Sri Chikkalinge Gowda and was named Gangadharaiah by his parents. He was one of six children and has three sisters and two brothers. He was interested in education a science graduate from the Government Arts & Science College, Bengaluru.
Social Work
The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan for his social work across different sections of the society – by setting up orphanages, modern hospitals and a number of community centers for the betterment of the downtrodden.
He has established around four hundred high-quality educational institutions, specifically in the rural areas, to help the children and youth to empower themselves with good qualifications. BGS International Residential School was founded him
He is also credited for revolutionizing the Adichunchanagiri Math with major initiatives in education, religion, and social service. During his tenure, the seer was known for his humanitarian services, wherein he has provided basic necessities like food, education, and healthcare to lakhs of people.
Committed to Environment
Another initiative by the Swami was his efforts in sustaining and enriching the environment. For this, he established a Santh Samavesha. And with the help of the Karnataka government, under this initiative around five crore saplings were planted.
This initiative was commended by the Forest Department, and he was conferred with the Parisara Ratna award, which is the Karnataka state award for environment conservation.
Balagangadharanatha Swami – Awards
For his numerous initiatives and achievements, Balagangadharanatha Swami was conferred with many awards, some of which are:
- In 1990, he was awarded a National Unity award by Global Economic Council, New Delhi
- In 2002, he was awarded the Parisara Ratna (Karnataka state award for environment conservation)
- In 2007, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from International Hindu Vedic University, USA
- In 2010, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan (the third-highest civilian award in India)
The Swami breathed his last on 13 January 2013, due to kidney failure. Many prominent political and religious leaders condoled the death of this visionary who leads the ancient Adichunchanagiri Math for around 30 years.
Also See
- Shivakumara Swami – A Walking God And Philanthropist
- Sree Siddaganga Mutt
- Sodhe Vadiraja Matha – An Abode of A Great Saint
- Sri Shiroor Matha, Udupi – Of Devotion and Philosophy
- Udupi Shri Krishna Matha – The Mathura of Southern India
- Siddharoodha Math, Hubli – A Holy Centre for the Hindus