Phoenix Award Doubles Strength to Work and Shoulder Responsibility – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis honored with the Phoenix Award by the Marathi Journalists’ Association

Mumbai, Sept 2025 – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that receiving the Phoenix Award from the Marathi Journalists’ Association, presented by spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has doubled his strength to work harder and fulfill his responsibilities with greater dedication.

At a function organized by the Marathi Journalists’ Association at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan today, CM Fadnavis was felicitated with the Phoenix Award. On this occasion, a video book based on his life was also released. The Chief Minister was speaking in response to the honor.

CM Fadnavis said, “When a good deed is accomplished, one should humbly accept the honor that comes with it. To receive this award at the hands of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is truly a matter of fortune for me. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Journalists’ Association and the editorial board. This ceremony has been extremely well-organized and creatively planned.”

He further added, “Journalists and politicians are like the two wheels of the chariot of democracy. Only when both move together can democracy stay on the right track. Criticism is the right of journalists, but at the same time, our side must also be heard. For democracy to mature, freedom of the press must remain intact. The government always stands with journalists in resolving their issues. In today’s competitive era, journalism has become even more challenging, and post-COVID, the challenges have multiplied. Journalists remain on the field day and night. To ensure that this vital pillar of democracy remains strong, the government will extend all possible support.”

The Chief Minister also said, “With a positive outlook, we were able to implement initiatives beneficial for many generations. The Jalyukt Shivar scheme and other farmer relief initiatives became possible with inspiration from Gurudev. Volunteers of the Art of Living Foundation worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the government in water conservation projects. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has played a significant role in gaining global recognition for Indian traditions such as yoga, Ayurveda, healing, and heritage. He has carried Indian philosophy to the world and taught the true religion of humanity. Receiving this award from him is a matter of immense pride for me.”

On the occasion, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar praised journalists for their contribution to social causes.

Among those present at the event were Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Skill Development, Employment and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Marathi Journalists’ Association convener Kiran Joshi, Sakal Group Editor Nilesh Khare, Lokmat Group Editor Vijay Bawiskar, ABP Majha Editor Sarita Kaushik, Pudhari Editor Vivek Girdhari, along with several journalists and followers.