With the Divine blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Eswaramma Puraskara Samarambha 2026 was held at Sai Ramesh Hall, Brindavan Ashram, Bengaluru, as part of the Centenary Year celebrations of His Advent, marking the 16th year of this sacred initiative.
Instituted under Bhagawan’s guidance during the Karnataka Parthi Yatra in 2010, the Puraskara honours three exemplary women annually in the fields of Educare, Sociocare and Medicare, who embody His message of Nishkama Karma.
The morning began with a grand Pallaki procession from Trayee Brindavan, uniting all wings of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations of Karnataka. Led by the school band, with Bal Vikas girls carrying diyas, Mahilas chanting Vedas, and devotees singing bhajans, the atmosphere was charged with devotion. Following Pallaki Pooja and Parikrama, Bhagawan was ceremonially welcomed into Sai Ramesh Hall with a Swagatam song. The program commenced with the lighting of the Mangala Deepa, Veda chanting of Brahmanandavalli by Mahila devotees, and a welcome address by the Convenor, who presented the vision and journey of the Eswaramma Puraskara.
Her Highness Dr Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, Rajmata of Mysuru, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, and Dr Neeta Khanna, National Spiritual Coordinator (Mahilas), delivered the keynote address, underscoring Bhagawan’s vision of empowered womanhood rooted in character, culture and selfless service.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of the Eswaramma Puraskara 2026:
* Medicare: Ms Sulagithi Mallamma (Raichur), a 74-year-old traditional midwife who has assisted in over 10,000 childbirths free of cost.
* Sociocare: Ms Asha S (Kolar), Founder of Arohana Gramina Abhivruddhi Samsthe, dedicated to water conservation and sustainable development.
* Educare: Ms Saroja Yallosa Bakale (Koppal), an educationist and social worker uplifting women and children through decades of selfless service.
Special felicitations were offered to Ms Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara (Padma Shri awardee) for preserving Karnataka’s folk heritage through Togalu Gombeyaata, and to Ms Rakshitha Raju, an internationally recognised para-athlete and Asian Para Games gold medallist. A significant moment of the Samarambha was the release of the Centenary Commemorative Book, ‘Sāi Mātṛ Preraṇa Dhārā,’ unveiled by Her Highness Dr Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and reverentially offered at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet.
