Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel emphasized the significance of moral values, righteousness, and yoga as the foundation of a civilized society. Addressing an award distribution ceremony organized by the Sarvodaya Sewashram in Kathmandu on Monday, he stated that these qualities are crucial for building a stable, prosperous, and equitable society.

“When a society upholds and reveres ethics, discipline, and honesty, it strengthens the foundation of peace, coexistence, and positive transformation,” President Paudel remarked. He further stressed the need for a strong connection between humans and nature, adding that yoga education, a healthy lifestyle, and humanitarian services could drive positive societal change.

The President praised the exemplary work of Sarvodaya Sewashram in Lamjung, which has been active for over two decades. The organization has introduced two prestigious awards: the Narakant Yoga National Award and the Bhairav Righteousness National Award. These awards are named after late Narakant Adhikari, a former bureaucrat from Duradanda, Lamjung, known for his integrity and honesty, and late Bhairav Prasad Upadhyay, a former Supreme Court Justice from Tanahu, recognized for his competency and judicial integrity. President Paudel described the awards as fitting tributes to their remarkable contributions in their respective fields.

Prof. Dr. Upadhyay and Regmi Honored
During the ceremony, President Paudel awarded Prof. Dr. Bidhyanath Upadhyay with the Narakant Yoga National Award and former Chief Justice and former Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Khilaraj Regmi, with the Bhairav Righteousness National Award.

Prof. Dr. Upadhyay was recognized for his incomparable contributions to education, yoga, and spirituality, while Regmi was honored for his pivotal role in ensuring national stability during a critical transitional period. Each recipient received a cash prize of Rs 100,000 along with a certificate of appreciation.

Both awardees expressed concern over the declining moral values and ethical standards in society. They called for reforms in moral education to foster discipline and ethical conduct among citizens. Regmi announced that he would donate his cash prize to support diligent and disciplined students in his hometown. Meanwhile, Upadhyay emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote yoga practices and moral conduct.

Krishnaraj Oliya, Chairperson of Sarvodaya Sewashram, highlighted the organization’s commitment to promoting yoga education, human health, social service, and moral values.