RAITHA PEETA AWARD - HONOURING THE FARMER

Raitha Peeta Award was created to go beyond words and symbols. It exists to identify, honour, and bow in gratitude to farmers whose lives are dedicated to agriculture, soil, biodiversity, and the future of the nation.

Instituted by Sanjeevini Gaudhama, the Raitha Peeta Award is a living expression of respect for farmers. It is not merely about speaking of farmer dignity — it is about recognising and celebrating those who sustain the nation through their lifelong commitment to the land.

In a time when agriculture faces environmental and economic challenges, the Raitha Peeta Award highlights the importance of indigenous seed conservation, sustainable farming practices, food security, and soil health. It restores the rightful place of the farmer at the centre of national growth and ecological balance.

First Raitha Peeta Award 2026

The first Raitha Peeta Award will be conferred on 20th February 2026 to:

Sri B. K. Devaraya – Guardian of Indigenous Paddy Seeds

Sri B. K. Devaraya is a dedicated farmer whose life has been devoted entirely to traditional agriculture, native seed conservation, and sustainable farming practices.

Preserving 240+ Native Paddy Varieties

Sri B. K. Devaraya has successfully preserved more than 240 indigenous paddy varieties. These are not stored as museum samples — they are cultivated as living crops through systematic farming and crop rotation. By continuously growing these traditional rice varieties, he ensures:
  • Protection of native seed biodiversity
  • Strengthening of food security
  • Improvement of soil fertility and ecosystem health
  • Preservation of India’s agricultural heritage

Seed Preservation and Sustainable Agriculture

Through disciplined effort, Sri B. K. Devaraya has established a structured seed preservation system that safeguards indigenous paddy seeds for future generations. His work contributes directly to:
  • Sustainable farming practices
  • Climate-resilient agriculture
  • Protection of traditional knowledge
  • Long-term agricultural sustainability
This award recognises not just his harvests, but his lifelong commitment to the land, the seeds, and the future of farming.

Why the Raitha Peeta Award Matters

In an era of industrial agriculture and hybrid dependency, recognising farmers who preserve native seeds is critical. The Raitha Peeta Award highlights:
  • The importance of indigenous seed conservation
  • The value of organic and natural farming
  • The role of farmers in nation-building
  • The need to restore respect for agricultural communities

Shreemannagamandala at Sanjeevini Gaudhama: Honouring the Serpent Deity and Protecting Nature

At Sanjeevini Gaudhama, the sacred tradition of Shreemannagamandala has been revived to honour the serpent deity and actively promote wildlife and biodiversity conservation. This ritual is a vibrant symbol of respect for serpents and highlights their essential role in maintaining ecological balance.

Beyond the Shreemannagamandala, Sanjeevini Gaudhama is deeply committed to protecting rare and valuable indigenous A2 breed cows, nurturing local wildlife, and promoting afforestation across its lands. By preserving A2 cows — known for their genetic purity, resilience, and health benefits — the center supports sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and the preservation of India’s native breeds.

Through these initiatives, Sanjeevini Gaudhama combines tradition, spirituality, and environmental stewardship, demonstrating how cultural practices like Shreemannagamandala can coexist with nature conservation. This holistic approach protects biodiversity, restores forests, and ensures a harmonious and sustainable future for both humans and wildlife.

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