Our Chairperson

Dr. Gulab Kothari, Chief Editor, Rajasthan Patrika Group, is one of the most celebrated and versatile journalists of India. He favours the journalism that promotes a general awareness of secularism and works for the regeneration of moral, social, cultural and spiritual values. He pleads for a balance between materialistic development and spiritual development. His journalism and writings are an excellent example of his positive outlook on life and holistic thinking. They reflect the agony of change and transformation and provide new insights into a balanced life. As a journalist he has made innovative experiments in his writings and the subject he chooses speaks volumes of his editorial competence, profoundity of thought and power of mobilization. Widely known for his classic MANAS, an analytical study of human mind from a Vedic perspective, Dr. Kothari combines knowledge with understanding. He is a sensitive writer and a profound scholar of ved vigyan (secrets of nature as expounded in the Vedas). He has authored more than fifty books in Hindi and English on various aspects of human life which reveal its subtleties. The sole objective of his life is to inspire people to elevate their level of consciousness and live with a purpose.

Born on January 6, 1949 in a historic town Malpura situated in the Tonk district of Rajasthan, Gulab Kothari has evinced deep interest in folk arts and folk culture. He undertook a long journey into the distant villages and towns in Rajasthan and portrayed the varied hues of the folk culture.

Before joining Rajasthan Patrika, he served in Indian Air Force for eight years (1967 to 1975) and rendered his war services in Indo-Pak conflict from 3rd December 1971 to 17th December 1971. He was decorated with Paschim Star and Sangram Medals for his meritorious services. He was also honored with 25th Independence Anniversary Medal. He retired as Corporal (Inst.Rep. I) in 1975. The Air Force service inculcated in him value of discipline in daily life, the determination to achieve goals, quality of being selfless, faith in the team work and organization and clear understanding of professionalism, dedication and diligence. For a soldier, no work is small and nothing is unimportant. Every task has to be performed perfectly in a routine and punctual manner. Supreme integrity and dependability permeate life and become basic seals of personality.

With these matchless assets in hand, he embarked upon his journey in journalism & management and attained highest heights in every field of his endeavor. Today, his group’s flagship newspaper is counted among top 20 newspapers in the world and also as the third largest newspaper in India. During his arduous journey his Air Force experience enables him to face successfully many ups & downs, challenging situations and organizations crisis of tremendous complexity.

On the personal front, Dr Gulab Kothari is ranked among the most academically accomplished editors of India. He is the only editor in the media world, who has been honored with Bharatiya Jnanpith Moortidevi award for his masterpiece literary work- “MAIN HI RADHA MAIN HI KRISHNA”. For his selfless reporting, he was invited for special lecture at London school of economics on globalize trade and moral imperatives & the power of ideas. He was also honored with “editor of the year Award” by International Advertising association, India chapter. For his tireless efforts and constructive reporting on conflict resolution and peace initiative, he had the honor to address prestigious International peace conferences including those of the United Nations. Today he is among the select newspaper professionals who were bestowed with Emeritus Professorship and D.Litt.( Honoris Causa & regular) by leading universities of India & abroad. A three day National Conference on his works was organized by Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan in New Delhi in which his academic achievements were highlighted by scholars of international fame. (The proceedings of the conference are under publication & will be mailed to you shortly).

He earned his Ph.D. Degree from the Intercultural Open University, the Netherlands in 1995. His thesis entitled 'Newspaper Management' has already been published and is being used as a reference work by the students of journalism in various universities of India. He was awarded D.Litt. in Philosophy by the same University in 2002 and his thesis has already been published with the title : 'Body Mind Intellect'. Similarly D. Litt. Honoris causa Degree conferred by Oki-do Libra Mikkyo Yoga Universita, PEJARO (ITALY) in July 2017 for studies and research in Yoga and Indian Philosophy.

Dr. Kothari was also awarded Ph.D. degree in recognition of his thesis 'Newspaper Management' by Universidad Azteca, Mexico and by Universidad Central De Nicaragua in April 2014 under the dual degree programme agreement by these two universities with IOUF. In addition he was conferred D.Litt. - Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by Amity University-Jaipur for authoring books that inspire people and create formative influence on Children on 09.02.2014 and D.Litt. - Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, Udaipur in recognition of his literary works on Ved Vigyan on 21st December, 2014. He is also honored with D.Litt. - Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur.

Dr Kothari is honored with the position of Emeritus Professor by Jain Vishva Bharati Institute (Deemed to be University), Ladnun, Rajasthan ( 2016) and by Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur

He has used his newspaper, Rajasthan Patrika, successfully to create an awareness among the masses about the depleting sources of drinking water and environmental and ecological degradation in Rajasthan. In response to his clarion call, hundreds of thousands of people joined the campaign and restored the dried water-sites, tanks and lakes in Rajasthan, M.P. and Chhattisgarh states. His newspaper's campaign to save and harvest rain water has already gained momentum. When famine struck Rajasthan his call for donating a handful of grain (ek mutthi anaaj) inspired millions of children who generously contributed bags of grain which went a long way in saving many lives from starvation. When the nation was struck by calamities like Kargil War and Tsunami, Dr. Kothari mobilized people's support through his paper and soothed the agonized state of the victims.

Other facets of Dr. Kothari’s contribution towards social response were also noted in various fields like—

The tree plantation drive ‘Hariyalo Rajasthan’ is the vision of Dr. Gulab Kothari which aims at greening of arid land through large scale tree plantation. As a result of which almost 15 years ago annual tree plantation drives were initiated throughout Rajasthan. The young saplings sowed then have been nurtured over the years and are now blossoming grand trees. Every year during the rainy season tree plantation drives are conducted not only in Rajasthan but in every state from where Patrika is being published. This continues to be a large scale annual mission till date.

Strong nations are built on the strong foundation of sound education. In 2015, under the leadership of Dr. Gulab Kothari, Patrika ventured on a mission NEENVA (foundation) in the field of education. This mission looks into the very foundation of education i.e. school education and has created ripple effect of mass awareness in the state of Rajasthan. Under Mission Neenva 400 correspondents and more than 250 organizations have together created such a massive impact that school admissions increased by more than 9 lakhs.

Dr. GulabDr. Gulab Kothari has taken up the noble cause of saving the girl child by breaking the centuries old evil practice of female foeticide in Rajasthan. He used his newspaper Rajasthan Patrika to create a significant impact against this evil practice. Over the years awareness campaigns were organized at many places and the editorials and news published in the newspaper played an important role in creating an atmosphere against this practice. Sting operations were also conducted to expose the doctors and clinics illegally testing the gender of the foetus. Many innovative initiatives were undertaken and slogans were published in the newspaper. Over the years this campaign made historic impact on the society and become quite popular among the masses. In the past one decade there has been a significant drop in cases of female foeticide and gender determination in Rajasthan.

One significant aspect of the special editorials that he contributes to his paper from time to time is that they inspire individuals and communities to shed their dogmatic attitude and create communal harmony. His soul-stirring appeal in the form of a front-page editorial resulted in the joint celebration of Eid (a Muslim festival) and Diwali (a Hindu festival) in Rajasthan on the same day, a feat otherwise impossible to achieve due to narrow sectarian considerations.

ORecently he has launched a novel campaign ‘disha bodh’ (right understanding of the direction of one’s life) to orient young children and students in ethical values and expose them to Indian cultural heritage. The huge impact of his appeals on their minds is evident from the presence of thousands of students in his rallies.

Another unique feature of his journalistic mission is that of bridging the distance between himself and his readers by undertaking a direct dialogue with them in each district from where his paper is published viz. Rajaasthan, M.P., Chhattisgarh. For it he visits various districts, organizes meetings of specially invited readers of Patrika, listens to and shares his vision with them. Not only this, Patrika makes it a point to have their grievances redressed by appropriate authorities. Those who come for a dialogue with him go home thoroughly transformed.

Dr. Kothari has already covered a major section of his readers across the country. He is deeply committed to the cause of social awakening and is determined to persevere in. He has also established Oki-Do India centre for global health based on Yoga, Meiso Shiatsu, meditation etc. The two most significant achievements to his credit recently are Bharatiya Gyan Peeth’s Moorti Devi Award for his narrative poem ‘Mein Hi Radha : Mein Hi Krishna’ and his being invited by the London School of Economics to speak on Globalized Trade, Moral Imperatives and Power of Ideas.

As a sensitive editor Dr. Kothari is always moved by the agonizing conflicts that arise in society from time to time and cause suffering to people. He initiates concrete measures to resolve such conflicts. Here are two examples:

Hundreds of thousands of peasants and farmers of Madhya Pradesh laid a siege to Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, with their tractors and trolleys. They were demanding uninterrupted supply of electricity and manure. Life in the town was completely paralyzed and caused untold suffering to people. As soon as Dr. Kothari heard of it, he reached Bhopal. He talked to the farmers directly and appealed to them to give up the agitation. Dr. Kothari’s appeal had a magical effect on the minds of the peasants and they lifted the blockade after a peace accord was reached. Both the administration and the people heaved a sigh of great relief.

The Gujjars of Rajasthan had been agitating for more than six years for 5% reservation in the state jobs. In Dec 2007 they blocked the rail tracks and highways which caused considerable inconvenience and anguish to the people. Govt. was in a fix as to what to do. In such a difficult situation Dr. Kothari rushed to Pilupura, the site of the Gujjar agitation, in the late winter evening and had a very meaningful and positive dialogue with the agitators and their leaders. The very next day the agitators lifted the blockades at two places opening the rail tracks for the smooth movement of trains. Dr. Kothari's dialogue from the core of his heart also paved the way for the resolution of this conflict.

In recognition of his great contribution to value-oriented writings and treatises on scientific aspects of the Veda he has been honoured by various national and international awards, prominent among them are as follows :

1. Bhartendu Harishchandra Puraskar (for journalistic writing) (1995-96) for special recognition of the book Photo Journalism
2. Bhaskar Puraskar (2003) – for dynamic leadership by Bharat Nirman organization
3. Acharya Tulsi Samman (2003) – for upholding human values in journalism.
4. Naitik Samman (2006) For upholding moral values in public life from Gulzari Lal Nanda Foundation.
5. Rashtra Gaurav Award -(Pride of the Nation) (2007) by His Holiness Guruji Acharya Guruvanand ji of Shree Bhramarshi Ashram in Tirupathi (Andhra Pradesh – India).
6. Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Sahitya Samman (2009) – for Literature (Shri Chhoti Khatu Hindi Pustakalaya, Rajasthan)
7. Giants International Award (2010)for excellence in journalism, particularly for campaign against selective foeticide by Giants International, Mumbai.
8. IOU Peace Award 2010.
9. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya Smriti Rasthria Purskar (2011) by Akhil Bhartiya Marwari Yuva Manch, NASIK (M.R.)
10. Haldighati Award by Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation- for journalism 2011.
11. Moorti Devi Puraskar (2011) of Bhartiya Jnanpith declared for his narrative poem ‘Mein Hi Radha, Mein Hi Krishna’
12. MAESTRO OKI DO YOGA Honour by ASD OKI DO GUDO JIKKOKAI MIKKYO YOGA, ITALY.
13. Tarun Sagar Literary Award (2011) Category-Literature, Spiritualism and positive thought.
14. Sudhirgha Sadhana Samman (2011) by Dushyant Kumar Smarak Pandulipi Sangrahalaya, Bhopal
15. Manjunath Literary Award (2012) by Shri Kshetra Dharmsthala, Karnataka
16. Editor of the Year Award (2014) by International Advertising Association, India Chapter.
17. Global Communication Association (GCA) Jaipur 2018 Award for Excellence in Communication in Media Sector for the year 2017-18 by Global Communication Association, North Carolina, United State, for leading from the front and contributing to various public affairs, journalistic, media and communication professions over many decades
18. The Legend of Rajasthan Award 2018 at Golden Jubilee Function of Rajasthani Association Tamilnadu at Chennai for being one of the legendary luminaries from Rajasthan who contributed immensely in the field of journalism , mass communication and public service.
19. 13th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award for outstanding work done in 2017 in the field of ‘Commentary and Interpretative Writing’(Print Category). This award was given on 4th of January 2019.
20. 8th Anuvrata Ahmisa Award for International Peace (given in the year 2019) by Anuvrata International Peace Council, Jaipur.
21. Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award by Press Council of India (2019) for his outstanding contribution towards journalism.
22. Lifetime Achievement Award by Jaipur Prawasi Sangh in Year 2020

Apart from being the Chief Editor of one of the second largest circulated Hindi dailies of India, Dr. Kothari heads the following organizations:

• 1. Jan Mangal Public Charitable Trust : It is a charity created by Rajasthan Patrika for welfare-oriented programmes to help those who are afflicted by poverty and calamities.
• Pt. Madhusudan Ojha Vedic Adhyayan Evam Shodh Peeth Sansthan, An institute of higher learning created for the study and promotion of Vedic literature and research into the works of Pt Madhusudan Ojha, a legendary Vedic scholar. It is recognized by Rajasthan Sanskrit University, Jaipur.
• 3. He is International Advisor, IOUF, the Netherlands and OkiDo Global Research Institute, Italy.
• 4. He is the International President, Oki Do Mikkyo Yoga Libera Universita, Colbordolo (PS) Italy.
• 5. Institute (University) in Department of Religion and Philosophy.Professor Of Vedic Studies IOUF, the Netherlands and USA.
• 6. Nominated as Emeritus Professor by Jain Vishwa Bharti

Dr. Kothari has travelled extensively to various parts of the world independently as a journalist as well as with the Indian Prime Ministers, meeting people with diverse interests, sharing views, delivering lectures and making presentations at various conferences. Notable among them include

• 1. his illuminating paper at one of the plenary sessions of the biennial global conference of International Peace Research Association ( IPRA) held at Soporn ( Hungary) in 2004
• 2. his lecture on human rights at a workshop organized by the United Nations Department of Public Information at UN Headquarters New York on the occasion of the UNDPI- NGOs annual conference in 2005.
• 3. his yearly discourses at the yearly conventions organized by Yoga in Daily Life at Vienna from 2005 to 2007.
• 4. his yearly discourses at Oki Do MIKKYO Yoga Libra Universita Italy which continue till today (2008 – ).
• 5. his two highly acclaimed papers on Vedic ecology and the role of media in conflict resolution at the Parliament of the World's Religions held at Melbourne in Dec. 2009. These presentations were highly admired by delegates.
• 6. his special lecture at Global Green University, Scotland, UK in 2011.
• 7. his special lecture at the London School of Economics on Feb 1 & 2, 2013 on Globalized Trade and Moral Imperatives and the Power of Ideas. It was highly admired by the scholars who attended it.

Mr. Kothari has a command on both Hindi and English and has a natural flair for writing. He is a voracious reader and a prolific writer. He has authored a large number of books which, as a matter of fact, portray and analyze human nature, man's suffering and pathos and offer solutions to help him combat life's challenges. Some of the popular books authored by him are as follows.

• Manas–(a combined Hindi Edition, of the four volumes) : (i) prakriti aur prakriya, (ii) vyakti aur samaj, (iii) sharir aur sadhana and (iv) adhyatma aur jivan mulya. It is a classic based on the Vedic values and shows the way to a balanced life. It describes the role of the human mind in shaping and moulding the individual and society and in achieving real happiness. A combined edition of the four volumes – (i) Patterns of Human Mind, (ii) Individual and Society, (iii) The Gross and the Subtle and (iv) Spirituality and Human Values, has also been published in English. It has already been translated into 12 languages.
  Manas (Hindi) is now available in 11 parts under various sub-titles.
• 2. Body Mind Intellect (English) - It is his thesis for D. Litt. Degree of IOU which has been published.
• 3. The Soul of Evolution - Communication (English) - It is a classic book that elucidates the conceptual basis of communication written from a Vedic perspective.
• 4. Sampreshan (Hindi) - It is the Hindi Edition of his well-known book The Soul of Evolution Communication.
• 5. Newspaper Management in India (English) - It is the thesis of his Ph.D. Degree of IOU which has been published. It is also published in Hindi with the title ‘Samachar Patra Prabandhan’.
• 6. Patharati Saumya (Hindi) – The women today do want liberty but they are unable to grasp the true meaning of this liberation. While blindly aping the west they are in constant conflict with men and in doing so they have to sacrifice the innate feminine qualities bestowed upon them by nature. The gentleness in women has hardened. In this treatise a vivid portrait of woman as delineated in our scriptures and ancient literature has been given.
• 7. Colourful Textiles of Rajasthan (English) - It provides detailed information of the textiles and handicrafts of Rajasthan.
• 8. Spandan (Hindi) - A collection of thought-provoking articles. (Four Volumes)
• 9. Spand (Hindi)- Collection of poems portraying the present.
• 10. Photo Journalism - An informative and useful reference book for photo journalists.
• 11. Chhayankan - The Hindi Edition of ‘Photo Journalism’.
• 12. Patrakarita, Jansanchar evam Vigyapan - A basic informative book for the students of journalism and mass communication.
• 13. Likhavat aur Apaka Vyaktitva - A book on the analysis of handwriting.
• 14. Adya - A narrative poem containing deep philosophical insights inspired by his tiny granddaughter. (Three Volumes)
• 15. Krishna Tatva ki Vaigyanikta (Hindi) - A treatise on Pt. Madhusudan Ojha's classic Acharya Kand depicting the scientific aspect of krishna tattva in the Gita.
• 16. Ved : Vaigyanic Drishti (Hindi) - A collection of articles embodying scientific viewpoints of Vedic interpretation.
• 17. Rajasthan ka Shilp Aur Shilpkar (Hindi) - A very informative and a treasurable book on the colourful and beautiful handicrafts of Rajasthan
• 18. Pooja wali Kalam (Hindi) -- Time and again, Dr. Gulab Kothari has penned thoughtful and incisive editorials on various issues. This book is a compilation of the original editorials written by Dr. Kothari and commentaries by the senior editors of Patrika - Bhuvnesh Jain, Sukumar Varma, Govind Chaturvedi and Anand Joshi on these editorials. It gives an insight to the situation that prompted the editorial and the impact it had on the government, bureaucracy and the readers
• 19. Expressions that Transform – English rendering of the book ‘Pooja wali Kalam’
• 20. Mein Hi Radha : Mein Hi Krishna – it is a long narrative poem consisting of the four parts which elucidate the four pursuits – Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama or Maya (illusion) and Moksha (liberation) as explained by Lord Krishna in the Gita. This classic has won Bharatiya Gyan Peeth’s prestigious Moorti Devi Award.
  It has been translated into English with the title ‘Stepping Stones to Spirituality’.
  It has also been translated into Sanskrit with the title ‘Ahameva Radha : Ahameva Krishna’.
• 21. Stepping Stones to Spirituality (Poetry) – English rendering of awarded book ‘Mein Hi Radha : Mein Hi Krishna’.
• 22. Prajana : The Inner Wisdom : A short treatise on the inner wisdom of human beings under the series ‘Science of Vedas’.
• 23. Shakti : The Women Power : A short treatise on woman power under the series ‘Science of Vedas’.
• 24. 5 Lectures on Vedic Science : Five lectures on important topics of Vedic Science delivered by the author at different occasions.
• 25. Foresight : A ‘Vision 2025’ campaign, on a broad spectrum to build new India, the author has given insight full strategies in this small treatise beautifully.
• 26. The Calamity of Science: A collection of articles on Indian culture, philosophy and living in harmony with nature based on deep study in dreaded diseases.
• 27. O My Mind: It is a highly valuable composition of 21st century, over flowing with spiritual wealth, a book extraordinaire which fulfils and satisfies the creative cells of the brain. This collection of one hundred short verses is written in first person as a conversation with self. Reading this makes us feel as if we are talking to our own self.
• 28. Jewellery - Concept And forms : This well researched book , besides detailing about ancient vedic roots of jewellery and its different usages and constituents is also a rich sense of knowledge as regards scientific –both ayurvedic and sutra chikitasa rationale behind this glorious age old tradition of India.