New Delhi, As the nation gears up for the 75th Republic Day celebrations, the Centre released the first list of Padma Award winners, showcasing the incredible achievements of 34 unsung heroes. These awardees, recognized for their exceptional contributions, range from India’s first female elephant mahout to noted environmentalists and a dedicated plastic surgeon working for burn victims.
Padma Shri Awardees: A Glimpse into Extraordinary Lives
– Parbati Baruah: India’s first female elephant mahout, who defied stereotypes by taming wild tuskers since the age of 14.
– Jageshwar Yadav: A welfare worker dedicated to the betterment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) tribes of Birhor and Korwa.
– Chami Murmu: A tribal warrior who planted over 30 lakh plants and empowered 30,000 women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
– Gurvinder Singh: A social worker from Sirsa, serving as a beacon of hope for orphans and individuals with disabilities.
Environmental Stewards and Cultural Preservers
– Dukhu Majhi: An environmentalist dedicating five decades to planting trees and raising awareness for a greener future.
– K Chellammal: A veteran organic farmer developing efficient coconut and palm tree damage control measures.
– Balakrishnan Sadanam Puthiya Veetil: Earning global acclaim for Kalluvazhi Kathakali for over six decades.
– Machihan Sasa: A master craftsperson promoting and preserving the ancient Manipuri tradition of Longpi pottery.
Transformative Figures and Trailblazers
– Prema Dhanraj: A burn victim turned burn surgeon, overcoming personal tragedy to dedicate her life to the cause of burn victims.
– Uday Vishwanath Deshpande: A flagbearer of Mallakhamb, credited for bringing the traditional sport to the global stage.
– Yazdi Maneksha Italia: A doctor dedicated to fighting sickle cell anemia among tribals in Gujarat.
These unsung heroes, with their diverse contributions, epitomize the spirit of service and dedication, enriching the nation’s cultural and social tapestry.
