Mr. Randhir Bittu Sahgal is Editor of Sanctuary Magazine. A natural affinity for nature, borne of frequent treks and camping trips into the Indian wilderness for over a decade, encouraged him to start “Sanctuary” and “Cub” Magazines in the early '80s. In pursuit of his objectives to communicate the rationale for conservation to as wide an audience as possible, he has also used the medium of film, having produced over 30 conservation-oriented documentaries, which have been aired over India's national television Network, Doordarshan. His key involvements today centre around campaigns to highlight the connection of deforestation and ecosystem destruction and climate change. He is also working to save the tiger; protect coastal India and its traditional fishing communities and to prevent toxics from degrading the lives of the Indian people.

Panna Dhai Award
Panna Dhai was a dhai or foster mother to the young prince of Mewar Kunwar Udai Singh, the rightful successor to the Gaddi, of Mewar. Banbir, who was an outsider, wanted to usurp this position and remove all impediments including young Kunwar. One night, Banbir entered the quarters of Kunwar Udai Singh, determined to eliminate him. Panna Dhai had suspecting malicious intentions placed her own child in the bed of the young prince. Her fierce loyalty extended far beyond any call of duty. The House of Mewar will always be indebted to her.
The Panna Dhai Award is a National Award. It has been instituted to honour a person who ventures beyond the call of duty in the face of immense hostility and sets an example in society of permanent value through sacrifice. It is in this spirit that the National Award was instituted in 1997. Mr Karambir Singh Kang was presented with a ceremonial shawl, a silver “Toran” plaque of honour, a felicitation certificate and a cash award of Rs 25,001.
Mr. Karambir Singh Kang is General Manager, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai. During the terrorist attack at the Taj Hotel Mumbai in November 2008 he performed heroic acts of bravery, rising beyond the call of duty in the face of immense hostility saving
the lives of nearly 200 people.
“A true hero” according to guests Mr. Kang became also a hero of tragedy when his family was trapped in their suite on the sixth floor as fire swept through the hotel. Even after learning of the death of his family Mr. Kang, originally from the Punjab continued helping guests. On the final morning of the siege when the last gunman was killed by commandos Mr. Kang continued to stay at his post.

State Awards and Awardees
All the State Awards carry a cash prize, a silver citation, a certificate and ceremonial shawl. Maharishi Harit Rashi Award was awarded to Prof. Ganeshi Lal Suthar, Former Director of Pandit Madhusudan Ojha Research Cell, Department of Sanskrit at J N Vyas University, Jodhpur and Pandit Shri Nandan Mishra an eminent vedic philanthropic educationalist who was recognized for his work of permanent value in awakening society through the medium of vedic culture, the ancient 'Shastras' and 'Karma Kand'.

Maharana Mewar Award, was presented to Mr. Vikram. Singh Mehta, Chairman of the Shell Group of Companies in India and Mr. Vivek Sanadhya, winner of Homi Bhabha Science and Technology Award 2008. Both luminaries were awarded for their work of permanent value and commitment to service in the field of education, literature, social service, philanthropic and character building activities.
Maharana Kumbha Award was awarded to Dr. Mohanlal Gupta, PRO of Jodhpur DISCOM who has devoted his life to literary work and to Dr. Hukum Chand Jain, Head, Department of History, Government College, Kota who has promoted the Hindi language and propagates Indian values through his creative writing and research work. Both eminent scholars are awarded for their work of permanent value to historical and literary works
Maharana Sajjan Singh Award was conferred to Mr. Iqbal Sakka, an artist from Udaipur, who works on gold and its minute forms and to Mr. Nand Kishore Verma, a miniature painter and national award artist from Jaipur.
Dagar Gharana Award was awarded to Ms. Vrinda Mundukar, a classic Hindustani vocalist for her achievement in the field of Indian classical music.
Rana Punja Award was conferred to Ms. Sajjan Devi Katara for her contribution to the betterment of society for individuals of tribal origin from Mewar
Aravali Award was presented to Ms. Shagun Chowdhary an International Level Shotgun trap shooter and Mr. Devendra Jhajharia, an Arjun Awardee and gold medalist at the Para Olympics and one-armed javelin thrower from Rajasthan.
This year Special Awards were given to Ms. Pushpa Gangwal, a social worker from Chittorgarh District and Mr. Mool Chand Lodha from Vagadari village of Dungarpur. Special Award for Best Police Station of Rajasthan was given to Jhothwara, Jaipur City (South) Police Station, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Bhamashah Award is a State award to honour excellence in students chosen from amongst all the Universities of Rajasthan. In 2009, 44 students received this award.
Maharana Raj Singh Award is a city of Udaipur award. This award was instituted to honour deserving students of universities based within the municipal limits of Udaipur and also students from those colleges who are affiliated to these universities, but are located outside Udaipur, for distinguished achievements in Games and sport, and Cultural, literary, co-curricular and extra curricular activities conducted by a recognised body. In 2009, 11 students received this award.
Maharana Fateh Singh Award is a city of Udaipur Award honouring those students who have passed the exams of Central Board of Secondary Education and Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan from Secondary and Senior Secondary schools located within municipal limits of Udaipur. In 2009, 42 students received this award.