On the sacred Vijayadashami Day, 12th October 2024, the Sivananda World Peace Award was conferred upon Pujya Swami Abhedananda, In-Charge, Chinmaya Mission South Africa.

In appreciation of Swamiji’s selfless service across South Africa for the last 18 years, this award was presented to Swamiji by the Premier (Chief Minister) of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, Mr Thami Ntuli, and Shri Ishwar Ramlutchman (Prince Mabheka Zulu), during the grand launch of the Nourish to Flourish feeding project.

The award is a tribute to Swamiji’s “service to humanity, promoting peace, culture, development and oneness amongst all citizens.”

Prior to Swami Abhedananda, rare recipients of the award include Dr Nelson Mandela, former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, 127-years old Swami Sivananda, the late His Majesty King Zwelithini and late Prince Buthelezi.

Chinmaya Mission South Africa is proud to share this monumental moment with our global Chinmaya family. This honour brings joy to CMSA and greatly enhances the credibility and glory of our ‘Nourish to Flourish’ project, which has already begun feeding hundreds of underprivileged schoolchildren across Durban.

Above all, this award is a humble offering to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda and His vision of “Giving maximum happiness, to maximum people, for maximum time”, which has touched lives across the globe, through His vibhutis!

Om Shri Chinmaya Sadgurave Namah!