Acharya Prashant expresses his gratitude to the IIT Delhi Alumni Association, the Director, and the Dean for the recognition in the category of Spiritual and Social Leadership. He reflects on his time at the institute, recalling a significant moment in 1998 when he received the Best Actor award during an intra-hostel competition. In that performance, he portrayed a silent witnessing soul, representing the voice of the common man through facial expressions without speaking a single word. He notes that he has since attempted to remain that voice, giving expression to the universal human experience of suffering and the inherent desire for liberation. He acknowledges the profound impact of IIT Delhi on his personal and professional journey, citing the rigorous academic structure and the influence of his competitive peers as essential factors in his work. Regarding the award for Outstanding Contribution to National Development, he emphasizes that true national progress is built upon the foundations of culture and civilization. He explains that his efforts to teach the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta are aimed at bringing these core values to the general public. He views the recognition as a sign of providing the right direction for all citizens of the country.
