The list of this year’s Padma Shri awardees includes many “unsung heroes” who have contributed to society in their own ways. A former bus conductor who established the world’s largest free-access library, a pediatrician who set up Asia’s first human milk bank, and a 90-year-old artiste known for playing a rare musical instrument are among the 45 people from across the country named Padma Shri awardees by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government in the ‘unsung heroes’ category.
“From doctors working on local health challenges like haemophilia to a neonatologist who set up India’s first human milk bank; from preserving India’s indigenous heritage and promoting national integration in border states to promoting tribal languages and indigenous martial arts; from preserving dying arts and weaves to safeguarding the nation’s ecological wealth and championing swachhata — this set of awardees truly epitomises everyday Indians silently going about their everyday lives, in the service of Bharat Mata,” the government statement said.
Anke Gowda, a former bus conductor, went on to establish the world’s largest free-access library, ‘Pustak Mane’, housing over two million books in 20 languages, along with rare manuscripts.
The 75-year-old bibliophile from Haralahalli village near Mysuru, Karnataka, has been awarded the Padma Shri in recognition of his exceptional efforts to empower learners across India.
Joining him among the Padma Shri awardees are Armida Fernandes, a Mumbai-based pediatrician who founded Asia’s first human milk bank, enhancing the survival chances of infants; Bhagwandas Raikwar, a Bundeli war art trainer from Madhya Pradesh; Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda, a 90-year-old tribal musician from Maharashtra who plays the Tarpa — a traditional instrument made of bottle gourd and bamboo; and Brij Lal Bhat, a noted social worker from Jammu and Kashmir, among others.
4. Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda
9. Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya
10. Gafruddin Mewati Jogi
16. Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G
18. Mahendra Kumar Mishra
19. Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai
21. Naresh Chandra Dev Varma
22. Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala
24. Othuvar Thiruthani Swaminathan
30. Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar
31. Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar
33. Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole
35. Sangyusang S Pongener
43. Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam
