NEW DELHI: Continuing the trend initiated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, this year’s Padma Awards once again spotlight “ordinary Indians with extraordinary contributions”, with 45 individuals selected for the Padma Shri in the ‘unsung heroes’ category, officials said on Sunday.
The awardees come from diverse backgrounds and fields, ranging from social work and education to science, medicine, art and culture. The list includes a former bus conductor who built the world’s largest free-access library, a Mumbai-based paediatrician who established Asia’s first human milk bank, and a 90-year-old tribal musician preserving a rare traditional instrument.
Among them is Anke Gowda, a 75-year-old bibliophile from Haralahalli village near Mysuru, Karnataka, who was once a bus conductor. He set up ‘Pustak Mane’, considered the world’s largest free-access library, housing over two million books in 20 languages, along with rare manuscripts. He has been recognised for his efforts to promote learning and literacy across the country.
Another awardee is Armida Fernandes, a paediatrician from Mumbai, who founded Asia’s first human milk bank, significantly improving survival prospects for premature and critically ill newborns. Also honoured are Bhagwandas Raikwar, a Bundeli war art trainer from Madhya Pradesh; Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda, a 90-year-old tribal Tarpa player (a musical instrument made of bottle gourd and bamboo) from Maharashtra; and Brij Lal Bhat, a distinguished social worker from Jammu and Kashmir.
The list further includes Budri Thati, who established schools in Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh; Charan Hembram, a Santhali author and composer from Odisha; Chiranji Lal Yadav from Moradabad, known for his expertise in intricate brass engraving; Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya, an exponent of ‘Maanbhatt’, a traditional Gujarati performing art; and Kumarasamy Thangharaj, a Hyderabad-based geneticist who traced human migration from Africa to India.
According to officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), many awardees overcame severe personal hardships to excel in their fields and serve society. A majority come from marginalised communities, including Dalits, primitive tribal groups, and residents of remote and difficult regions.
Others honoured include K Pajanivel from Puducherry for nurturing Silambam, an ancient Tamil martial art, and veteran journalist Kailash Chandra Pant, recognised for over six decades of work promoting Hindi. Khem Raj Sundriyal from Haryana was awarded for preserving tapestry and Jamdani weaving, reviving the Panipat khes.