The Amritakeerthi Puraskar is given by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math in recognition of distinguished contributions in the fields of spirituality, knowledge, and science.
Adv PS Sreedharan Pillai, former Governor of Mizoram and Goa, distinguished lawyer, and prolific author, has been selected for the 2026 Amritakeerthi Puraskar, instituted by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math.
He was conferred the award by Shri Amit Shah, Hon’ble Union Minister of Home Affairs, during the events for Amma’s 73rd birthday on the evening of September 26th.
Receiving the honour, Sreedharan Pillai described Amma as the Universal Mother, whose language of the heart transcends boundaries and whose vision recognises the goodness in everyone.
Instituted in 2001, the Amritakeerthi Puraskar recognises distinguished contributions in the fields of spirituality, knowledge, and science. The award comprises a cash prize of ₹1,23,456, a Saraswati sculpture designed by renowned artist Namboodiri, and a citation.
Sreedharan Pillai has authored 270 books spanning poetry, essays, legal studies, travelogues, political analysis, and spiritual philosophy, making him one of Kerala’s most prolific authors among political leaders. His writings and public addresses explore spirituality as a way of life rooted in humanity, social service, and the relationship between God, nature, and humankind.
Beyond his legal and political career, Sreedharan Pillai has maintained a deep engagement with Indian philosophy and Hindu spirituality. He has also made friendships and engaged in dialogues with Christian and Islamic spiritual leaders, reflecting his connections across religious traditions.
The selection committee was chaired by Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Amma’s most senior disciple, with members that included Swami Turiyamritananda Puri, another of Amma’s senior disciples; Dr KS Radhakrishnan, philosopher and former Vice-Chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University; and Dr M Lakshmi Kumari, Director of the Vivekananda Vedic Vision Foundation and a 2017 recipient of the Amritakeerthi Award.
Announcing the selection, Swami Turiyamritananda Puri spoke about Sreedharan Pillai’s profound understanding of Indian philosophy and spirituality. Swami Turiyamritananda expressed that the interconnectedness of God, nature and humanity—a central principle of spirituality—is reflected in Sreedharan Pillai’s life, writings and speeches.
