Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, India

The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra conferred the Kulapati Munshi Award 2011 to Sri. P.R. Krishha Kumar, Managing Director, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy Group of Institutions, Coimbatore.

Kulapati Munshi founded the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the year 1938 with the blessings of Mahatma Gandhi. Munshi's versatility and achievements were unique. He was an eminent lawyer, one of the framer's of India's constitution and a seasoned statesman. Coming under the inspiring influence of Sri. Aurobindo during his student days, Munshi had been an ardent fighter, working at different stages in close association with Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Pandit Nehru, Tilak, Besant and Jinnah. His achievements as Home Minister of Bombay in 1937, as India's agent - General in Hyderabad before the Police Action, as India's Food Minister and as Governor of Uttar Pradesh had been characterized by rare courage and decisive energy. From small beginnings, 66 years ago, the Bhavan has today 118 centers and 373 educational institutions spread all over the country and also seven overseas centers. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is the recipient of Rajiv Gandhi Award for National Integration (1992), Communal Harmony Award (1999), Educational Institution of National Eminence (2001) and International Gandhi Peace Prize (2002).

To perpetuate the memory of this great visionary, the Coimbatore Kendra has instituted the "Kulapathi Munshi" Award. The award is conferred on individuals from this region who have done outstanding service in their field which helps to further the cause of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

The Kulapati Munshi Award 2011 was conferred on Padmashri. P.R. Krishna Kumar in recognition of his outstanding services in the fields of Ayurvedic Medicine and Bharatiya Culture.

Sri. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman of the Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra gave away the citation and award to Sri. P.R. Krishna Kumar in the award ceremony organized at the Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan Auditorium, Coimbatore between 6.30 pm and 8 pm.

The eminent journalist, author, intellectual and politician, Sri. Arun Shourie was the Chief Guest of the event and Sri. Swashpawan Singh, Former Ambassador to UN, Geneva and permanent representative of India to United Nations was the Guest of Honor.