Education is interpreted as the manifestation of perfection in man. Smt. Ratan Shastri most eminently embodies this idea, though she has had little formal education. The Banasthali Vidyapith, which she founded in 1935 for promoting women's education and which has now acquired the status of a 'Deemed University', is a symbol of her noble mind, integrity and tireless devotion.

It was, indeed, a great and revolutionary achievement on the part of Smt. Ratan Shastri that, in tradition-ridden Rajasthan, she persuaded the womenfolk to discard the purdah system and come out of the four walls of their houses with a view to studying together. She set an example in this regard by discontinuing the purdah herself and taking part in the Jaipur Satyagraha during the freedom struggle.

Right from its inception the Banasthali Vidyapith rightly recognised the importance of integrating the basic cultural traditions of India with the concepts of modern education in its academic and co-curricular programmes for brining about the development of personality of its students. Apart from providing general education from the Nursery to the post-graduate level, the Vidyapith organises varied activities which not only make the female student self-reliant, but also add a touch of the finer elements of art and culture to make their lives more beautiful and meaningful.

Today, in a situation in which everyone feels restless and frustrated over the breakdown and disintegration of values, the progressive efforts of Smt. Ratan Shastri over the last five decades provide ample evidence of the firmness of her mind, character and practical conduct and also offer a ray of hope. She insisted that courses of study at Banasthali should be based on a synthesis between the spiritual approach of East and the scientific outlook of the West. This educational philosophy of hers nurtures democratic values, national integration, universal religious harmony and international goodwill in the minds of the students. Great emphasis is placed on the integrated development of the various facets of personality of the students, and equally on creating consciousness in their minds about their social responsibility. The persuit of these mutually related goals reflects the strength of Smt. Shastri's lofty vision.

Besides contributing to the cause of women's education, Smt. Shastri carried out a number of programmes for the development of Banasthali Village. Khadi and self-reliance, literacy drive, medical assistance and the like being more marked among them.

By selecting Smt. Ratan Shastri for the Jamnalal Bajaj Award for outstanding contribution in the field of uplift and welfare of women and children, the Trustees of the Foundation feel honoured to recognise her selfless and well-planned services for uplifting the social status of women.