Shillong-based author Salil Gewali was honoured with the Global Wisdom Excellence Award by the Virginia-based organisation Reform Education for a New World on the occasion of International Yoga Day (21 June). The award recognises his outstanding contribution to promoting India’s cultural and philosophical heritage through his internationally acclaimed book, Great Minds on India.
The book, which carries a foreword by a former NASA Chief Scientist, has been translated into 16 languages, reflecting its global appeal. The German edition was formally released in 2022 by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Over the past eight years, the organisation has distributed the book across the United States, including in weekend schools run by the Indian diaspora.
A Sanskrit edition has also been translated in the United States under the guidance of renowned Sanskrit scholar Dr. Baldevananda Sagar and will be published by Samskrita Bharati, Ontario (Canada). Although invited to receive the award in Virginia, Gewali could not attend due to personal reasons.
Why it matters:
The recognition highlights the growing global appreciation of India’s civilisational heritage, philosophy, and cultural diplomacy. It also brings international recognition to Meghalaya’s literary contributions.
Practice Questions
Q1. The Global Wisdom Excellence Award was recently conferred upon Salil Gewali primarily for which of the following works?
A. India After Gandhi
B. Great Minds on India
C. Discovery of India
D. The Argumentative Indian
Answer: B. Great Minds on India
Q2. The organisation that conferred the Global Wisdom Excellence Award on Salil Gewali is based in:
A. London, United Kingdom
B. Virginia, United States
C. Toronto, Canada
D. Sydney, Australia
Answer: B. Virginia, United States