A former bus conductor who created the world’s largest free access library, a paediatrician who established Asia’s first human milk bank, and a 90 year old tribal musician are among 45 individuals selected for the Padma Shri in the unsung heroes category on the occasion of Republic Day, sources said on Sunday.
Anke Gowda, once a bus conductor from Haralahalli village near Mysuru in Karnataka, has been honoured for setting up Pustak Mane, the world’s largest free access library. The library houses over two million books in more than 20 languages along with rare manuscripts and has emerged as a major centre for learning and knowledge sharing across the country.
Medical professionals feature prominently among the awardees. Mumbai based paediatrician Armida Fernandes has been recognised for founding Asia’s first human milk bank, a pioneering initiative that has significantly improved infant survival. Shyam Sundar was selected for developing an affordable diagnostic test for Kala Azar, also known as black fever, while veteran haematologist Suresh Hangavadi was honoured for his lifelong contribution to the treatment of Haemophilia.
The list also includes Ladakh based Padma Gurmet for promoting ancient Tibetan medicine, Tamil Nadu veterinary scientist Punniamurthy Natesan for combining traditional practices with modern animal healthcare, Hyderabad based geneticist Kumarasamy Thangharaj, and Gujarat based social worker Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala, founder of Donate Life, who has played a key role in promoting organ donation.
Several artists preserving India’s rich cultural heritage have also been honoured. These include Bundeli war art trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar from Madhya Pradesh, Silambam martial art exponent K Pajanivel from Puducherry, 90 year old tribal Tarpa musician Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda from Maharashtra, and 100 year old Nata Sankirtana performer Yumnam Jatra Singh from Manipur.
Other awardees include folk dancer Vishwa Bandhu from Bihar, Rajasthani Bhapang musician Gafruddin Mewati Jogi, Gujarati Maanbhatt artist Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya and Taga Ram Bheel, who has worked to preserve the fading Algoza musical tradition.
The Padma Shri has also been conferred on theatre and performing arts contributors, such as, Odisha based Sakhi Nata actor Simanchal Patro, Naga folk theatre guru Sangyusang S Pongener, and Assam scenographer Nuruddin Ahmed.
Among those recognised for social service and community development are Jammu and Kashmir based social worker Brij Lal Bhat, Budri Thati for establishing schools in Naxal affected regions of Chhattisgarh, Ramchandra and Sunita Godbole for providing affordable healthcare to tribal communities in Bastar, former IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sandhu for sanitation advocacy, and Techi Gubin for preserving the culture of the Nishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
The list further honours literary figures and artisans, such as, Santhali author Charan Hembram, senior journalist Kailash Chandra Pant for promoting Hindi for over six decades, Kashmiri writer Shafi Shauq, and Naresh Chandra Debbarma for advancing Tripura’s Kokborok language.
Craft and environmental contributions were recognised through awards to brass engraver Chiranji Lal Yadav from Moradabad, bronze sculptor Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar, Kantha embroidery mentor Tripti Mukherjee, Jamdani weaving trainer Khem Raj Sundriyal, 92 year old environmentalist Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G from Kerala, Meghalaya’s Hally War for traditional afforestation and water conservationist Mohan Nagar from Madhya Pradesh.
Agricultural innovation and rural development were acknowledged through honours to Shrirang Devba Lad for the Dada Lad cotton farming technique, Mahendra Kumar Mishra of Odisha for protecting tribal voices, Raghupat Singh from Uttar Pradesh for farming innovations, and Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar for using Tamasha art to raise awareness on drug addiction.
Sources said the Padma Awards this year continue the tradition of celebrating ordinary Indians who have made extraordinary contributions to society, many of whom have overcome personal hardship while serving communities in remote and marginalised regions.
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