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Stephen Knapp honored in global tribute by Vedic Friends Association
Also known as Sri Nandanandana Dasa, he was recently awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to Literature and Education
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Pranavi Sharma - Mon, 14, Jul 2025
- 01:44 EDT
- 18
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Stephen Knapp awarded the Padma Shri by the President of India. / VFA
The Vedic Friends Association (VFA) hosted a global tribute in Atlanta to honor Stephen Knapp, also known as Sri Nandanandana Dasa, who was recently awarded the Padma Shri by the President of India for his contributions to Literature and Education.
Knapp, a prominent advocate of Vedic traditions and founding president of the VFA, was recognized for his decades-long work in preserving and promoting Sanātana Dharma. He served as president of the association for 15 years and played a central role in shaping its mission of fostering awareness of Vedic philosophy and spiritual practices.
The tribute was co-hosted by VFA president Benny Tillman (Balabhadra Dāsa) and Sandi Graham. It featured remarks from several prominent figures, including Shri Ram Madhav, Sri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan (Consul General of India in Atlanta), Padma Bhushan recipient David Frawley, Padma Shri awardee Subhash Kak, ICCR Distinguished Indologist Jeffrey Armstrong, and Anuttama Dasa of ISKCON.
David Frawley said, “There is only one reason why the Vedic Friends Association exists today, and that is because of the selfless work of Stephen Knapp. He is the father of it, he is the founder of it, he had brought it to life, and he will keep it alive for another generation.”
Tillman described the award as “not only a tribute to Stephen’s tireless service to Sanatana Dharma,” but also “a proud milestone for the Vedic Friends Association.” He noted that Knapp is now the third Padma awardee associated with the organization, alongside Frawley and Kak.
“Stephen leads the Vedic Friends Association’s mission to preserve and care for Vedic wisdom,” Tillman added. “He inspires scholars, practitioners and seekers alike across many cultures.”
VFA board members Vijay Pallod, Vijay G., Sankirtana Das, Prakash Srivastava, and Maria Wirth also offered their congratulations.
As a gesture of appreciation, the VFA Board of Directors presented Knapp with an $11,000 honorarium, recognizing his humility and leadership over four decades.
Knapp said, “The award to me is for a life of dedication to working to Protect, Preserve, Promote, and Perpetuate the Vedic culture of India.” He added, “This is likely the highest award I will receive in this lifetime, so I consider it very special. I thank everyone who has helped me along the way, beginning with my spiritual master, His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.”
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