Film maker says freedom is not merely given; it is earned through awareness, courage, and responsibility.
PUNE, Feb 4 (the CONNECT) – Protecting freedom is not just a right; it is our duty, said Vivek Agnihotri, acclaimed film producer, director & author.
“True freedom is safeguarded only when we cultivate wisdom and deep understanding,” Agnihotri said speaking at MIT World Peace University’s (MIT-WPU) celebrated the prestigious Bharat Asmita National Award (BANA) Ceremony.
“One may earn degrees and achieve financial success, but true peace comes from righteous actions. Real peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is the result of thinking beyond the ordinary, of striving for a world where knowledge empowers and justice prevails,” he said.
“We must fight for peace and fight for freedom, not with force but with the power of wisdom. To the students present here, always remember: freedom is not merely given; it is earned through awareness, courage, and responsibility.”
The BANA awards recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to society in fields such as social activism, healthcare, governance, and the arts.
The event also marked Founder’s Day, a special occasion honouring the 85th birthday of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, the guiding force behind the university’s establishment and growth.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation and Former Chief Scientist, World Health Organization, said science and technology can solve many pressing issues like climate change, pandemics, and malnutrition, according to.
Dr Swaminathan said knowledge is best used when shared—it multiplies a thousand times and benefits countless others.
“It is essential for young people to focus on innovation, guided by their passion and a sense of responsibility. Let us use science wisely to create solutions for a better future,” she observed.
The ceremony was enriched by a live musical performance from the iconic Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher.
This year’s Bharat Asmita National Award recipients included a distinguished group of individuals: Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, the director of IIM Ahmedabad; Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization; Vivek Agnihotri, a renowned film producer, director, and author; and Shekhar Sen, a noted singer and musical composer.
Dr. Abhay Bang, a leading social activist and the director of the Search Foundation, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The university remains at the forefront of shaping the future of Bharat by empowering students, promoting innovation, and fostering leadership across a diverse range of disciplines.
