New Delhi witnessed a vibrant celebration of Janaki Navami at Rajendra Bhavan, as the Vaidehi Foundation honored the sacred birth anniversary of Mata Sita—the eternal symbol of sacrifice, purity, and resilience. The event, organized annually for the past eleven years, blended devotion with recognition of excellence in diverse fields.
General Secretary and poet Vimal Ji Mishra highlighted that the Mata Sita Prakatotsav is not only a spiritual homage but also a platform to honor individuals who embody cultural and social values. This year’s awards reflected that spirit. The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon eminent litterateur and former Sahitya Akademi convenor Prof. Vidyanath Jha ‘Vidit’ for his lifelong contribution to literature and culture. The Vaidehi Stree Shakti Samman 2026 recognized five distinguished women: classical singer Sakshi Mishra of the Mallik Gharana, senior litterateur Dr. Neelam Singh, journalist Neha Jha, social workers Babita Malhotra and Reena Sinha, and pediatrician Dr. Nomita Gupta. In addition, the Sudeergh Dampatya Jeevan Samman was awarded to Smt. Mohit Devi and Shri Bhagirath Jha, celebrating their fifty years of married life as a living banyan tree of family values.
The celebration was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Dr. Alok Kumar, International President of Vishva Hindu Parishad, and Smt. Abha Kumar, Senior VP of Sulabh International. Scholars and cultural experts such as Prof. Ramnath Jha of JNU, Smt. Tanuja Shankar Khan, Shri Anil Mishra, and Dr. Swati Chandra shared their reflections, while Foundation leaders—including Founder Amar Nath Jha and President Kumkum Jha—spoke about the organization’s eleven-year journey.
The evening was enriched by cultural performances. Smt. Manisha Jha from Ahmedabad mesmerized the audience with her classical singing and dance, while renowned singer Dhanikalal Mandal, accompanied by Shivani and Punam, added musical brilliance. Guests later enjoyed traditional Mithila cuisine, which was widely praised and added a homely touch to the grandeur.
Hundreds attended the celebration, including academics, journalists, and cultural figures such as Prof. Pankaj Mishra, Umesh Chaturvedi, Sunil Saurabh, Shailendra Kumar Pandey, Kaushal Singh, and many others, lending dignity and warmth to the occasion. The program concluded with heartfelt thanks from Foundation President Amar Nath Jha, marking the event as both a spiritual homage and a cultural milestone
