Laxmibai Smruti Awards Announced by Shrimati Laxmibai Dagdusheth Halwai Dattamandir Trust

Pune – This year’s Laxmibai Smruti Award, presented by the Shrimati Laxmibai Dagdusheth Halwai Dattamandir Trust, will be conferred upon three distinguished recipients: the Mahila Seva Mandal for their work with destitute girls, abandoned women, and the legal adoption of orphaned newborns; Dr. Jayshree Todkar, a world-renowned expert in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery; and Swati Otari, known for reviving ancient stone idols through her unique stone restoration work.

The award comprises a replica idol of Lord Dattatreya, a cash prize of ₹25,000, and a ceremonial robe. The presentation will take place during the temple’s Guru Purnima celebrations, as announced by Trust President Adv. Shivraj Kadam Jahagirdar in a press conference.

Present at the press meet were Executive Trustee Adv. Rajani Ukarde, Treasurer Yuvraj Gadwe, Festival Head Mahendra Pisal, Deputy Festival Head Akshay Halwai, Trustees Adv. Pratap Pardeshi, Dr. Parag Kalkar, Sunil Rukari, and Rajendra Balkawade, among others.

Executive Trustee Adv. Rajani Ukarde explained that the award is instituted in memory of the temple’s founder, Shrimati Laxmibai, and is presented annually to three accomplished women or organizations across fields such as religion, spirituality, social service, arts, sports, journalism, and personal excellence.

This year, the award to Mahila Seva Mandal honors their work in women and child welfare. Their Kusumbai Motichand Mahila Sevagram Institution in Karve Road has been operating for 84 years.

The second recipient, Dr. Jayshree Todkar, is a renowned surgeon and has been internationally recognized in the field of laparoscopic and bariatric surgery since 1995. She has also worked extensively on spreading awareness about obesity and related health issues like diabetes and hypertension. She has received fellowships and awards from several global institutions.

The third awardee, Swati Otari, specializes in restoring ancient idols by removing layers of sindoor and grime to bring them back to their original form. Her distinctive work in the field of stone restoration has earned her multiple awards and recognition as a skilled female artisan.

On the occasion of the temple’s 128th anniversary, a special adorned ritual (Salankrut Puja) of Lord Dattatreya was performed, followed by a Laghu Rudra ceremony conducted by Priyanka and Ashwinikumar Kayasth Halwai.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Trust launched a computerized donation receipt system. Sanjay Athawale of Mobilesutra Technology implemented the Temple Kiosk system for this purpose.

Shubham Jana, a partner in Web Digital Company, donated two Lenovo tablets for computerized Abhishek and donation receipts. The tablets were inaugurated by Trust President Sunil Rasne using a QR code and Treasurer Mahesh Suryawanshi. Throughout the day, prasad (blessed offerings) was distributed to devotees at the temple.