Renowned Sanskrit scholar H.V. Nagaraja Rao, a past fellow of the Israel Institute for Advanced Studies and a member of the "A Lasting Vision: Dandin’s Mirror in the World of Asian Letters" and "Toward a History of Sanskrit Poetry" research groups, was recently honored with the 'Champaka Kalaa Ratna' Lifetime Achievement Award by the Champaka Educational and Cultural Trust.

The ceremony, held on April 6, 2024, celebrated Dr. Rao's significant contributions to Sanskrit literature. Alongside other awardees, he emphasized the profound cultural significance of Indian classical arts, inspiring future generations to uphold this rich cultural legacy.