Raseshwari Devi Ji Receives Seva Samman Award from Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy

Noted spiritual leader and Upanishad scholar Raseshwari Devi has been awarded the Seva Samman Award held on 23rd Feb 2026 for her exceptional contributions to ministry, society through Upanishads by Surama Padhy the Hon.Ble. Speaker of The Odisha Legislative Assembly. The award was given in honouring Rasehiswari Devis work on spreading the teachings of the Upanishads and spirituality throughout society. The award represents Raseshwari Devis continual commitment in bringing the wisdom of the Upanishads to all persons through spiritual discourses, meditative programs and value-based social initiatives. The presentation ceremony had participation from spiritual and other leaders, government representatives, and others demonstrating the growing importance of spiritual development in human society.

The conclave was hosted by MBC TV and BS TV, and included many notable dignitaries from politics, culture and society of Odisha, including Hon.Ble. MLA of Laxmipur Pabitra Sounta, Chitrakonda MLA Mangu Khilla, and BJP Odisha Vice President Golaka Mohapatra. Former cabinet minister and senior leader Arabinda Dhali, and former MLA Priyadarshi Mishra also attended the event. The conclave also had a senior BJP leader in Sajjan Sharma and veteran politician and former minister Suresh Kumar Routray present.

The conclave was graced by the presence of Sudarshan Sahoo (Padma Vibhushan) & Adwaita Gadanayak (Padma Shri), further emphasizing the conferences theme of promoting spiritual and cultural unity. Raseshwari Devi (Devotee of Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj) began her spiritual journey after obtaining a B.A. degree (Mathematics) and an M.A. degree (English). At 22, she renounced the material world on October 15, 1988, to become a sannyasi; ever since, her sole purpose has been to promote devotion to Shri Krishna, as well as the tenets of the Upanishads philosophically.

She has conducted 300+ spiritual development programs in 140+ cities located within 11 states of India (primarily in Odisha), where she also established 21 meditation/spiritual practice centers designed to provide a place to cultivate devotion, self-discipline, and inner development. As part of her goal to use digital means to extend her outreach, in 2023, Raseshwari Devis efforts will strengthen the Bhakti movement among coastal regions of Odisha and allow families in rural/semi-rural areas greater access to education about the teachings of the Upanishads. Through her various activities promoting moral values, enhancing cultural identity, and supporting overall growth in children/youth (including Bal Sanskar Shivir (2007) and Yuva Utthan Shivir (2014)), Raseshwari Devi continues to inspire future generations.

Devi ji had an audience with Droupadi Murmu, the Hon'ble President of India, on the day of the President's Sannyasa Dham. The conferring of Seva Samman by Surama Padhy, Hon'ble Speaker, Odisha Legislative Assembly, at the Spiritual Women Conclave Odisha 2026 marks an important milestone in Raseshwari Devi's spiritual journey and is a reaffirmation of her role as a leading voice in spiritual education and social upliftment throughout India.