Visvamitra Awards of Excellence 2024 ceremony successfully concluded in the gracious presence and with blessings of Swamiji. Indian Ambassador for Romania, His Excellency Shri Rahul Shrivastava hosted the event at India House in Bucharest, Romania. According to the Facebook post by India in Romania, “India in Romania Ambassador hosted the prestigious Visvamitra Awards of Excellence Ceremony 2024. The event celebrated the achievements of nine remarkable individuals who made significant contributions in fields like medicine, alternative medicine, journalism, yoga, education, agriculture, arts & culture. Ambassador presented each awardee with a trophy, acknowledging their outstanding dedication and accomplishments. An inspiring book “Life is a Series of Choices” by Swami Ananda Saraswati was also launched”

With the blessings and under the guidance of Swamiji this event was supported by Ana Cernat as coordinator, along with Vasile Tanasa, Lavinia Chiara, Cristina Nichita, and others, the event was organized under the auspices of Visvamitra International ONLUS. Hosted by His Excellency, Ambassador of India to Romania, Mr. Rahul Shrivastava, the event symbolized the enduring friendship between India and Romania. With luminaries from various fields in attendance, the spirit of unity and collective endeavor was palpable. The award jury consists of Amalia Anghel – Doctor and founder of Skinmed, Sebastian Bodu – University professor, Raluca Chisu – Founder and CEO of Kinetobebe, Federico Pipitone – Entrepreneur, Ștefania Rossitto – Yoga teacher, Arianna Squillante – Doctor & alternative medicine, Laura Talamoni – Entrepreneur in agriculture, Tereza Tranakas – Oxygen founder and CEO

Excellence in Journalism is awarded to Societatea Omului Sanatos. Founded by Alexandra Gatej and Oana Igrisan, both established media and communications professionals, “The Society of the Healthy Man” is a community formed around healthy habits, aiming to promote balance in all aspects of modern human life, as well as in their relationship with the surrounding environment. The community platform, followed by thousands, brings top ideas, conversations with well known health, lifestyle personalities, on critical topics for our overall wellbeing

Excellence in medicine is awarded to Dr. Mihai Latis. After successfully completing military missions abroad, Col. Dr. Mihai Latis, form the University Emergency Military Hospital “Carol Davila”, has fought COVID and other emergencies for over ten years, there where the battle is the hardest: the emergency room, saving lives in a race against the clock. He described the COVID years as the hardest of his career, but bringing light on the importance of serving humans.

Excellence in alternative medicine is awarded to Dr. Valentin Marius Puric. He has been a Medical Doctor since 1999. Since 2002, he has added Alternative Medicine to his practice, improving his mastery of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, studying Ayurveda in India and practicing in Romania, Spain and other countries. Dr. Puric holds also a master’ degree in Medical Bioengineering and is continuously improving his knowledge to help those in need. He is one of the most appreciated alternative medicine doctors in Bucharest.

Excellence in CSR is awarded to Mr. Mihai Mihu, Chairman of the association “Crestem Romania Impreuna” (“We Grow Romania Together”). Mr. Mihu, IT expert, has managed to develop several platforms for the civil society, among which an awarded project “Mall Taranesc”, “Peasants’ Mall”. This is a revolutionary project, unique in Europe, matching the individual farmers offerings with individual customers, at honest and fair prices for their product.

Celebrating women entrepreneurs is awarded to Andreea Raicu, founder of Amalin, successful fashion venture, is a multifaceted professional with a diverse background in media, fashion, and philanthropy. With a keen eye for style and a passion for empowering others, Andreea has established herself as a prominent figure in the Romanian lifestyle and fashion. In addition to her contributions to the realms of media and fashion, Andreea is deeply committed to philanthropy and social causes. She actively engages in initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged communities and promoting social awareness, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact on society. She is UN Goodwill Ambassador and TedX speaker.

Excellence in Agriculture is awarded to Ultragreens. Ultragreens stands as a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, diligently providing nutritious food to Romanian households for over a decade amidst a societal landscape marred by issues of obesity and heart disease. Founded by Cristian Tudor, the company has leveraged technology and research to cultivate microgreens, recognized as superfoods in their early growth stage. While now readily available in numerous supermarkets, their presence is the culmination of substantial financial and emotional investments made by a dedicated team of individuals driven by passion and commitment.

Excellence in Yoga is awarded to Sukadev Volker Bretz, born in 1963 in Germany, is a distinguished yoga teacher and the founder of Yoga Vidya, one of Europe’s leading yoga institutes. Starting yoga and meditation at 16, he trained under Swami Vishnudevananda and later established Yoga Vidya in Germany after a profound mystical experience in India. The institute, known for its holistic approach and the largest ashram outside India, offers extensive training and publishes significant works on yoga. With over 50,000 videos and contributions to numerous scientific studies, Bretz influences millions globally. A lifelong aspirant, he maintains a rigorous spiritual practice, continuously seeking to enhance others’ well-being through yoga.

Excellence in Arts & Culture is awarded to Ms. Irina lordachescu. She is serving as the First Lead Singer of the Romanian National Opera since 2005, has captivated audiences across renowned international stages in France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan, and Belgium with her exceptional vocal talent. Demonstrating versatility, she has portrayed prominent lead opera roles to great acclaim. Her collaborative efforts with esteemed conductors and directors, both domestically and internationally, have encompassed premieres of musical compositions and notable contributions to successful chamber orchestra performances. Ms. lordachescu’s distinguished career contributes to the illustrious tradition of acclaimed Romanian opera singers.

Excellence is Education is awarded to Dr. Manuela Tabaras, Dean of Law School, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest. Passionate of Law, Ms Tabaras is also a Notary Public; nevertheless, since 1999 her passion has been to help generations of Law students grow to become pillars of our society. She helds a PhD in Law and graduate degrees in Psychopedagogy and Commercial Law. She has authored many books and coordinates the editing board of the University.

During the event, the book “Life is a Series of Choices,” authored by Swami Ananda Saraswati, and translated into Romanian by Cristina Nichita, was released by Ambassador Shri Rahul Shrivastava.

Partners of the event included OXYGEN, Finnovators, Shri Shilajit, Poggiomonte Tourism, ADEMPI, and Diamond Traders.