On the eve of the Republic day, the Government of India announced the conferring of Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian honours of the country, on the Administrator of the Peetham, Guru Seva Dhurina Sri V R Gowrishankar for his outstanding contributions in the field of social work and development of the Malnad region in general and Sringeri Mutt in particular.This is one of the most prestigious award by the government of India to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals in diverse fields.