Vaishnavi receives Savitri award from Jayapataka Swami at Mayapur ceremony.

The Mayapur Community Sevaks (MCS), in collaboration with the Co-Directors Body, organized the first-ever Savitri Awards on the eve of International Women’s Day to honor the invaluable contributions of second and third-generation Vaishnavis within ISKCON Mayapur. Inspired by Savitri, a revered figure known for her unwavering devotion and selfless service, the awards recognized the humility and steadfastness of Vaishnavis who have dedicated themselves to devotional service.

Srila Prabhupada consistently highlighted the essential role of Vaishnavis in spreading and sustaining Krishna consciousness. The Savitri Awards serve as a tribute to this vision, ensuring that the dedication and service of Vaishnavis are acknowledged and celebrated.

The event was graced by several female disciples of Srila Prabhupada, including Atitaguna Devi Dasi and Yashomati Devi Dasi, who shared cherished memories of Srila Prabhupada and their journey to Mayapur. Their stories underscored their ongoing commitment to fulfilling the mission of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in His birthplace.

The success of the Savitri Awards was made possible through the collective efforts of the MCS, the Co-Directors Body, and several key individuals. Jayapataka Swami’s wisdom and support, along with the steadfast backing of Braj Vilas Das, played a crucial role. MCS Chairman Nanda Krsna Das and Co-Director Subekshana Das were also instrumental in conceptualizing and organizing the event.

“For decades, Vaishnavis have played a vital role in temple and community life—engaging in deity worship, education, prasadam distribution, administration, community welfare, and outreach—often without formal acknowledgment. Recognizing this silent yet crucial service, the MCS and the Co-Directors Body conceived the Savitri Awards to celebrate and honor these contributions,” said MCS Chairman Nanda Krsna Das.

Jayapataka Swami, whose guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in uplifting the Vaishnavi community, emphasized the importance of recognizing devotees’ service, likening it to how soldiers military awards. “This is for our purification — recognizing devotees’ service may not seem important to some, but it matters to us. Everyone offering service to Radha Madhava, the Ashtasakhis, Pancatattva, and the Deities should be appreciated. Srila Prabhupada would be very pleased.”

Subekshana Das congratulated all the award recipients and expressed thanks to the organizers, guests, and attendees. He remarked, “Through your selfless devotion, hard work, and inspiring example, you have played an instrumental role in shaping and strengthening our spiritual community—whether through Deity service, outreach, education, prasadam distribution, administration, or community welfare. Your service has uplifted us and left a lasting impact.”

The organizing team, including Bihasya Devi Dasi, Vishakha Devi Dasi, Basudha Dasi, Gaurangi Mataji, Mandakini Devi Dasi, and Ananda Sindhu Das, worked tirelessly to ensure the program’s success. The contributions of Nanda Krishna Vanacari Das and his wife Amritamoyi Devi Dasi, as well as Bhakta Janapriya Das and his wife Manorakshi Devi Dasi, were invaluable in supporting and promoting the initiative.

The inaugural Savitri Awards received an overwhelmingly positive response from the ISKCON Mayapur community. Many devotees expressed gratitude that the selfless contributions of Vaishnavis were finally being acknowledged. The award recipients were deeply moved by the recognition, which highlighted their years of dedication and sacrifice.

Encouraged by the success of the inaugural event, the Savitri Awards will become a yearly event to continuously honor Vaishnavis’ contributions. New award categories will be introduced to recognize contributions in fields such as youth mentorship, environmental sustainability, and interfaith outreach.

ISKCON communities worldwide may feel inspired to foster a similar culture of appreciation and recognition. MCS will enhance community involvement, ensuring that values of service and gratitude remain central to ISKCON Mayapur’s ethos.

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