National Excellence Award Presented During Maharashtra Lokbhavan Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Mumbai, September 17, 2026: The Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai witnessed a gathering dedicated to social responsibility and community welfare on September 17, where social activist Dr. Binu Varghese was presented with the National Excellence Award for Outstanding Social Work.
The award was presented by Maharashtra Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma during a programme held under the Maharashtra Lokbhavan Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
For Dr. Varghese, the ceremony represented an important public recognition of his association with social work and community-oriented activities.
The Ceremony in Nariman Point
Held at Nariman Point, the programme was organised by the Maitri Foundation and Varma Foundation.
The event brought together social workers, spiritual figures, public personalities and other guests. Dr. Binu Varghese took part in the ceremonial lamp lighting and shared the stage with the Governor and other distinguished participants.
The atmosphere of the programme centred on the themes of seva, compassion and responsibility towards society.
Supporting Inclusion Through Community Initiatives
An important part of the event was the distribution of wheelchairs to persons with disabilities by Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma.
The activity drew attention to the practical dimensions of social welfare, particularly the need for accessibility and support for people with disabilities. Such initiatives also underline the role of community programmes in addressing everyday challenges faced by vulnerable sections of society.
Notable Personalities at the Event
The ceremony featured a number of distinguished guests.
Among them was Dr. Rajeshwar Das Ji Maharaj, popularly known as Acharya Dr. Rajesh Ojha, who is associated with spiritual activities and is described as a Hindu spiritual leader, astrologer and Mahamandleshwar.
Mustafa Yusufali Gom, a Mumbai social worker, was also among those present. Several other dignitaries and representatives connected with social-service initiatives attended the programme.
A Separate Incident in Mira Road
Dr. Binu Varghese’s social activities also came into focus following an incident reported in Mira Road on September 15.
According to the information shared about the episode, an alert was raised regarding a husband, wife and their two children near the flyover opposite Fountain Hotel at approximately 2:00 AM.
The information was reportedly communicated to the authorities, following which CP Niket Kaushik instructed Kashigaon Police to respond. Police personnel reached the location within minutes and rescued all four members of the family, according to the account provided.
The incident demonstrated the importance of timely alerts and coordination with emergency authorities when a potentially dangerous situation develops.
More Than an Award Ceremony
The September 17 event offered Dr. Binu Varghese a moment of recognition, but it also placed social responsibility at the centre of public attention.
The award, presented in the presence of the Maharashtra Governor and other distinguished personalities, acknowledged his contribution to social work. His reported intervention in the Mira Road emergency provided another example of the importance of responding quickly when community members may be at risk.
A Milestone in a Continuing Journey
Receiving the National Excellence Award has added a significant milestone to Dr. Binu Varghese’s journey as a social activist.
The ceremony brought together recognition, community initiatives and a message of service. For those associated with social work, such occasions can serve as reminders that meaningful community contribution often depends on compassion, participation and timely action.
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