The gap between the common man and the scholar needs to be bridged – Nitin Gadkari. 
Temples have a special significance in Indian culture, temples are not just a matter of faith and religion, they are our inspiration and science is also hidden in them. Simplifying science can bridge the gap between the common man and the scholar, said Union Roads and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari here today. He was speaking when the first Bhandarkar Smriti Award of Bhandarkar Oriental Studies Research Institute was presented to senior archaeologist Dr G . B . Degalurkar. The program was presided over by the president of the organization Abhay Firodia while Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare had a special presentation on the stage. The prizes were in the form of Bhandarkari turban, honorarium, cash of Rs. 1 lakh and shawl, Shriphal (coconut).
Gadkari further said that this award given to Degalurkar has also been blessed. Along with temples, idols also have a history and Degalurkar is a dedicated personality who has explored and researched science along with its meaning. The British broke the history, the history was written as they wanted. Now it needs to be rewritten. The way research is done abroad is recorded. Also in India, the science of history should be discovered and researched. For this, it is necessary to get Lokashraya along with Rajashraya. Maharashtra is the land of inspiration, the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and saints. That is why we have to travel all over India and that is why I am committed to building big, good roads, ”Gadkari said. He expressed satisfaction over the research being done by the Bhandarkar Institute and the preservation of culture and heritage.
Replying to the reception, Degalurkar said, “I am being honoured, although it is a matter of happiness, I am aware that I am not so big.” As I am from a Warkari family, I feel that I have been rewarded for doing more by understanding this prasad. More research needs to be done to understand the culture of India without studying the idols.
At the time of the presidential occult, Firodia said that funds were needed for the improvement of the organization and for various projects. The centenary organization should be funded by the Central and State Governments. The organization is doing many things on its own today and will continue to do so. Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare announced that he was donating Rs. 1 lakh.
The program was introductory by the working president of the organization Bhupal Patwardhan. All were welcomed by the Honorary Secretary of the Society Prof. Sudhir Vaishnavan while the Trustee of the Society Adv. Sadanand Phadke thanked the audience. The program was moderated by Srinand Bapat.
