The 22nd Bharat Asmita National Awards (BANA) 2026, held at MIT-WPU, Pune, celebrated distinguished individuals whose lifelong contributions have elevated the Asmita—the pride, dignity, and intellectual strength—of Bharat.

The ceremony commenced with time-honoured traditions, including the global peace prayer, the ceremonial ringing of the democracy bell, and the lighting of the auspicious lamp, setting a solemn and reflective tone for the celebrations.

The event was held under the guidance of Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar, Padma Vibhushan awardee and eminent scientist, and shaped by the visionary leadership of Rev. Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President, MIT-WPU, Pune, alongside Dr. Rahul V. Karad, Executive President, MIT-WPU, Pune.

Awardees – Bharat Asmita National Awards 2026

Acharya Shreshtha – Best Teacher in Management
Dr. Srivardhini K. Jha, Professor of Entrepreneurship, IIM Bangalore

Jana Pratinidhi Shreshtha – Best Young Exponent of Parliamentary Practices
Ms. S. Jothimani, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha (INC, Karur, Tamil Nadu)

Jana Jagaran Shreshtha – Best Use of Acting/Direction
Dr. Mohan Agashe, Padma Shri awardee, veteran actor and psychiatrist

Jana Jagaran Shreshtha – Best Use of Lyrics/Music/Singing
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Padma Vibhushan, legendary Indian classical musician, sarod virtuoso, and composer

The celebrations concluded with an insightful panel discussion featuring the awardees, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. R. M. Chitnis, Vice Chancellor, MIT-WPU, Pune, who acknowledged the contributions of the awardees, distinguished guests, and the MIT-WPU community.

Since its inception in 2005, the Bharat Asmita National Awards has emerged as a respected national platform celebrating visionaries who embody innovation, integrity, and service to society. Through BANA, MIT-WPU, Pune, continues to reaffirm its commitment to holistic education, peace studies, leadership development, and meaningful societal transformation—rooted in Indian values and guided by a global outlook.