Maha Kisan Mela-National Platform for celebrating and empowering farmers-at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad

Maha Kisan Mela -National Platform for celebrating and empowering farmers  at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad I was invited to participate and address the Maha Kisan Mela, a National platform to celebrate and empower the farmers of India-by bringing together farmers, scientists, policy makers, NGOs, industry, and spiritual leaders. It was truly a commendable initiative championed by Prof. M. S. Reddy, (*Prof. M. S. Reddy Founder Chairman, Asian PGPR Society Consultant & Entrepreneur Auburn University, USA Email: prof.m.s.reddy@gmail.com. www.msreddy.com)---- showcasing an exemplary gathering of leaders, scientists and farmers  who, over two days, deliberated extensively on farmer development and shared their valuable ideas for strengthening this fraternity. In my address, I highlighted the nobility of the most ancient, the very first profession known to human being farming/agriculture - also how in the meanwhile the farmers suffered due to vagaries of the monsoon and the faulty policies of the rulers it became unpopular and unsustainable for honourable living ---- how without farming, the world cannot survive-the need for making policies to make farming attractive - the need for saving soil fertility - by adopting more and more of natural and organic farming - also for the health of the consuming population-as by using too much of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides the food itself is turning poisonous-also appreciated prof. M.S. Reddy, though living in USA, still being grateful to his native profession of farming and organising such a well planned and well structured conference of farm leaders, farmers, scientists and policy makers.   The discussions highlighted that our farmers stand on equal footing with any white- or blue-collar workforce, deserving the same dignity, scale, and pride. The visionary objective included - Practising, sustainable, nature-friendly agriculture, Using bio-agricultural inputs and innovations, and Serving as role models and trainers for fellow farmers.  To fulfil this purpose, the Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture, in collaboration with the Telangana Agricultural Officers Association, launched two distinct recognitions- Rythu Ratna Awards and Abhyudaya Farmers Awards- to recognize progressive and inspiring farmers Strengthen the bond between Agricultural Officers and field-level farmers, and Showcase Telangana as a model state in natural, organic, and bio-input based farming. These awards symbolize: The rise ("Abhyudaya") of new-generation farmer leaders, The pan-India spirit of the Maha Kisan Mela, and  the alignment with India's Vision 2047 for a healthy, chemical-residue-free, climate-resilient agriculture. The Selection Process For both Rythu Ratna and Abhyudaya categories, the organisors received hundreds of nominations from across the country, accompanied by detailed bios and farm profiles. A Joint Selection Committee carefully scrutinized the nominations against multiple criteria, including: Farmer's background and journey – challenges overcome and personal commitment-What he/she does and how it is done – cropping systems, practices, and innovations-Use of advanced and eco-friendly innovations, such as: 1) PGPR and other beneficial microbes 2) Biofertilizers, biopesticides, biostimulants 3) Compost, vermicompost, vermiwash 4) Biochar and other soil-health technologies 5) Return on Investment (ROI) – economic viability and stability. 6)Healthy, safe, and residue-free produce. 7) Leadership in the local area – being a guiding light in the village/region. 8) Service to fellow farmers – acting as a trainer, mentor, or demonstrator. 9_ Contribution to climate-smart, water-saving, and regenerative practices. Only those who clearly excelled in multiple dimensions – economic, environmental, and social impact – were finally selected for the awards. By presenting the Rythu Ratna Awards (Telangana-specific) and the Abhyudaya Farmers Awards (national) at a sacred and serene venue like Kanha Shanti Vanam, under the benevolent guidance and blessings of Pujya Daaji Maharaj, the organisation wished to send a powerful message that- a) That farming is not just an occupation, but a sacred service to humanity and the planet. b) That farmer-innovators are true nation builders, deserving of national and spiritual recognition. c) That the future of Indian agriculture lies in bio-based, regenerative, and heart-centered farming—in harmony with nature, society, and inner values. These awards act as seeds of inspiration – encouraging thousands of other farmers who attended the Mela, and many more who will hear about it, to adopt similar sustainable practices and leadership roles. Prof. Reddy's visionary approach, coupled with his meticulous execution, was both admirable and inspiring. Equally remarkable was the identification of the venue  reflecting unwavering perseverance. The sprawling Kanha Shanti Vanam has become a role model of how the visionary Revered Daaji could transform a barren land into an ideal fertile land by natural and organic methods, just in 20 years. The support from Kanha Shanti Vanam , the team led by Shri Aditya Madava Mohan was outstanding, with arrangements that were superb in every respect. With Hon'ble T. Nageswara Rao, Minister for Agriculture Telangana and Prof. M S Reddy, Founder/Chairman Asian PGPR and organizer With Dr Srinivas Rao Eluri, Secretary General, International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations (ECOSOC), UN www.iccdr.in  Subject: Our heartfelt gratitude for your blessings and presence at Maha Kisan Mela Respected Shri D. R. Kaarthikeyan garu, Humble pranamams On behalf of myself and my wife, Smt. Bharati Reddy, I most sincerely thank you for your kind message and blessings, and for your gracious presence at our Maha Kisan Mela at Kanha Shanti Vanam. We were truly delighted and deeply honoured to have you with us. Your service to the nation, your wisdom, and your compassion for farmers and for humanity at large have always been a great source of inspiration to us. Your message during the Mela — linking agriculture, ethics, peace, harmony, good governance, and the health of society — touched the hearts of all those present. Many participants later shared how moved and motivated they felt by your words. We are especially grateful that you appreciated our humble effort to honour real farmers in the field and to promote natural and organic farming for the health of the soil, the farmer, and society. Your endorsement and encouragement mean a great deal to us and to the entire Asian PGPR family. Thank you also for kindly sharing your DRK's Newsletters that reach readers across the world. They carry invaluable messages of values, service, and enlightened leadership, and we shall certainly read and share them with great interest. With your continued blessings and guidance, we hope to expand this farmer-centered movement further in the coming years and look forward to staying closely connected with you. With deep respect, gratitude, and warm regards, Prof. M. S. Reddy & Smt. Bharati Reddy Maha Kisan Mela 2025 Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture Respected Shri D. R. Kaarthikeyan garu, Humble pranamams Reading your 18-point reflection felt like receiving a pearled scripture of life, distilled through extraordinary experience, service, inner discipline, and deep humanity. At 87, you speak not merely as a senior statesman, but as a sage of values, compassion, and enlightened leadership. Every point you shared embodies grace, humility, wisdom, and purpose — qualities that are increasingly rare in today's fast-paced, self-centric world. Your message is not only an expression of your state of mind but also a guiding light for those who aspire to live meaningfully. A few reflections that touched me profoundly: Loving oneself only after loving all others — a profound reminder that self-care is not selfish but sacred. Letting go of ego, perfection, and control — true liberation and maturity. Giving generously to those who toil harder — leadership grounded in empathy. Honouring elders' stories instead of correcting them — respect for memory and emotion. Choosing peace over perfection — the hallmark of enlightened living. Planting trees for generations we may never see — the very definition of legacy. Meditation as a bridge for humanity — beyond religion, beyond boundaries. Living each day as if it is the last — a reminder that service, health, and gratitude cannot wait. Your life is a testament to active goodness — from nation-building and governance to environment and farmer welfare to values, spirituality, health, and harmony. Your reflections are not just philosophy — they are instructions for a more peaceful world. On a personal note, your message reinforces my own mission — working for our Annadatas, for natural and biological agriculture, for soil health, for farmer dignity, for a healthier India. You and Daaji Maharaj share an important common thread — a belief that transformation begins in the inner landscape and expresses itself in the outer world through service. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa said: "The world is like a stage — act, but do not be attached to the role." Your reflection is a living embodiment of that truth. Thank you for sharing your state of mind — it is a blessing, a teaching, and a meditation in itself. May God grant you continued strength, joy, clarity, and health to inspire more lives and shape future generations. With deep respect, gratitude, and affection, Prof. M. S. Reddy & Smt. Bharati Reddy Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture Maha Kisan Mela 2025, Kanha Shanti Vanam    Prof. M. S. Reddy Founder Chairman, Asian PGPR Society Consultant & Entrepreneur Auburn University Auburn, AL, USA Ph: 334-559-1971 (Cell) Email: prof.m.s.reddy@gmail.com   Personal Web: http://drmsreddy.com WIth Regards and Best Wishes,  -- D.R.Kaarthikeyan, IPS (R) Padma Shri Awardee  President: Foundation for Peace, Harmony and Good Governance                 : AGE CARE INDIA Former : Director, Central Bureau of Investigation Director General, National Human Rights Commission Special Director General, Central Reserve Police Force 102, Ground Floor Anand Lok New Delhi - 110 049 India Phone : 91- 11- 4601 3255 : 91- 11- 4601 3266 Fax : 91- 11- 46013277 E-mail : drkaarthikeyan@gmail.com www.goodgovernance.in www.lifepositive.com https://twitter.com/DRKaarthikeyan

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