Who wants to date mediocrity in an era of academic excellence? However, there are only a few islands of academic brilliance floating in a sea of mediocrity. The reason is – very few chase excellence. The secret of joy in academics is contained in one word – excellence. And achievers of excellence go the extra mile and stand out from the crowd.
In the past, with a good report card you received a parental pat on the back, but now it could also be cash in your pocket. Motivation is the key to educational success. And surely one of the best ways to generate motivation is by offering rewards.
The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia PC OBE DL and Karma Yoga Foundation will honour the Indian sub-continent students – who have excelled in 2015 A level examinations – with Saraswati Samman at a function in House of Lords on March 14, 2016. The award ceremony will begin at 4 pm.
UK-settled high grade achieving students (for A levels) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – irrespective of religion, caste or creed – were invited to furnish their results.
The winners will be felicitated with awards on the occasion. People concerned have been invited for the event.
The following cash rewards would be given on the occasion: £2,500 to the Best (Platinum) Achiever (Total £2,500).
£1,001 each to 3 (Gold) Achievers (Total £3,003)
£501 each to 5 (Silver) Achievers (Total £2,505)
Why Saraswati Samman?
In the Indian culture Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the power of speech, wisdom and learning. She has four hands symbolically representing four aspects of human personality in learning – mind, intellect, alertness and ego.
Saraswati Samman is the first such initiation to encourage excellence in education within Asian community irrespective of caste or creed. We got representations from substantial number of students in the first year itself.
Lord Dholakia and other jury members have reviewed the shortlisted nominations and finalised the names of the winners.
Mr Kanti Nagda, Trustee/Secretary of Karma Yoga Foundation, said: “I am glad that Karma Yoga Foundation has started a process of encouraging A level students by not only honouring them but giving a cash prize which they can use to enhance their further studies. The fact that this is going to be an annual event will enable more A level students to participate in 2016 round.”
Karma Yoga Foundation is a modest effort by a private business which allocates sizeable sums for various human service activities, including promoting education.
Lord Dholakia said: “I am delighted to sponsor the Saraswati Samman programme at the House of Lords. Unlike other awards, this event is to recognise the remarkable educational achievement of our students in the United Kingdom. Education of children is at the heart of all parents. I know of families who have sacrificed their income so that their children can build a promising career for themselves. We now know that they feature on a par with all other high achieving students. The award is one way of saying thank you to them. Well done. Saraswati has been on your side. Let us hope that Laxmi will follow.”
