34 Unsung Heroes of India Conferred Padma Awards | Who Are They? Here’s The List

The central government on Thursday announced Padma Shri awards for 34 unsung heroes of India.

From Chami Murmu’s work for afforestation to Jordan Lepcha of Sikkim who is nurturing the cultural heritage of the Lepcha tribe, the Padma awardees list is an eye-opener this time as well.

Know All About These 34 Unsung Heroes: 

Parbati Baruah

State: Assam

Category: Social Work (Animal Welfare)

• India’s 1 st female elephant mahout, who overcame stereotypes to create a space for herself in a traditionally male-dominated field.
• She stood out for her commitment towards mitigating human-elephant conflict with help of application of scientific practices – assisted 3 state governments to tackle and capture wild elephants.
• Inheriting the skill from her father, she started at the age of 14 – her relentless efforts over 4 decades have played a vital role in saving and shaping the lives of many rogue tuskers.
• Despite coming from a well-off background, she chose to live a simple life, dedicating it to serve the complex yet playful creature.

Jageshwar Yadav

State: Chhattisgarh

Category: Social Work (Tribal – PVTG)

• Tribal Welfare Worker from Jashpur who dedicated his life for the upliftment of marginalized Birhor & Pahadi Korwa people.
• Established Ashram in Jashpur that worked for eradicating illiteracy and elevating healthcare standards by setting up camps.
• Facilitated vaccinations during pandemic, addressing hesitancy – also helped reducing infant mortality.
• Despite financial hardships, his passion remained to bring about social change.

Chami Murmu

State: Jharkhand

Category: Social Work (Environment – Afforestation)

• Tribal Environmentalist and Women empowermentchampion from Seraikela Kharsawan.
• Spearheaded afforestation efforts planting over 30 lakhplants with 3,000 women.
• Ushered socio-economic change by empowering over30,000 women across 40+ villages through formation ofnumerous SHGs and providing employment opportunities.
• Through her NGO ‘Sahayogi Mahila’, initiated impactfulprograms in safe motherhood, anemia and malnutrition, andemphasized adolescent girls’ education.
• Her relentless campaign against illegal logging, timbermafia & naxal activities & dedication towards protectingwildlife & forests has made her a force to recon with.

Gurvinder Singh

State: Haryana

Category: Social Work (Divyang)

• Divyang social worker from Sirsa who worked for betterment of homeless, destitute, women, orphans and divyangjan.
• With his unwavering dedication, he nurtured 300 children dreams by setting up a child care institute named Bal Gopal Dham.
• Provided free ambulance services to over 6,000 accident victims and pregnant women.
• Paralyzed waist down after being hit by truck and confined to a wheelchair for life, he channelized his personal tragedy to work for welfare of others.

Sathyanarayana Beleri

State: Kerala

Category: Others (Agriculture – Cereal – Rice)

• Rice farmer from Kasaragod, who evolved into a guardian of paddy crop by preserving over 650 traditional rice varieties.
• Successfully introduced ‘Rajakayame’ rice, boostingproduction and conservation across 3 states – Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Through 15 years of hardwork, in novated technique,‘Polybag Method’ – conserved not only indigenous rice varieties but also traditional seeds of arecanut, nutmeg and black pepper.
• Fostered research and conservation by providing 50 rice varieties to research centers and distributed free rice seeds to farmers.

Dukhu Majhi

State: West Bengal

Category: Social Work (Environment – Afforestation)

• Tribal Environmentalist from Sindri village, Purulia planted over 5,000 Banyan, Mango and Blackberry trees on barren land, while traveling to new destinations on his bicycle every day.
• Raised awareness about tree planting and featured in thedocumentary ‘Rukhu Mati Dukhu Majhi’ working for a greener tomorrow since the age of 12.
• Could not complete his education due to financial constraints, but that did not stop him from coming up with innovative solutions for protecting and safeguarding against wood theft and spreading awareness about the importance of trees.

K Chellammal

State: Andaman & Nicobar

Category: Others (Agriculture – Organic)

• Organic Farmer from South Andaman, successfully developed a 10 acre organic farm used intercropping method for cultivation of crops like Clove, Ginger, Pineapples, Banana and motivated more than 150 farmers to adopt it.
• Devised innovative & economical solutions for coconut & palm trees damage control measures.
• Harvested over 27,000 coconuts per annum and cultivated 2 hectares of coconut plantation with 460 palms of Andaman Ordinary Tall variety.
• Studied till class 6, but innovating in farming for past 5 decades with commitment and enthusiasm.

Sangthankima

State: Mizoram

Category: Social Work (Children)

• Social worker from Aizawl who has been running Mizoram’s largest orphanage ‘Thutak Nunpuitu Team’
• Over the course of 3 decades, addressed issues related to children’s welfare, addiction, HIV-AIDS awareness, education, and other civic issues.
• Continuously providing shelter and rehabilitation services to orphans, divyangjan, drug addicts, and alcoholics.
• Worked for North Eastern communities and Burmese through his rehabilitation centres in 4 districts of Assam.

Hemchand Manjhi

State: Chhattisgarh

Category: Medicine (AYUSH – Traditional Medicine)

• A traditional medicinal practitioner from Narayanpur, providing affordable healthcare to villagers for over 5 decades, having started serving the needy since the age of 15.
• Known for his special knowledge of herbs in remote forests of Abujhmarh
• Charges meagre amount to treat patients suffering from varied diseases
• Despite repeated threats & personal attacks by Naxals, he continued to serve people with sincerity and zeal.

Yanung Jamoh Lego

State: Arunachal Pradesh

Category: Others (Agriculture – Medicinal – Plants)

• East Siang based herbal medicine expert who has provided medical care to over 10,000 patients, educated 1 lakh individuals on medicinal herbs and trained SHGs in their use.
• Planted over 5,000 medicinal plants annually and promoted setting up of herbal kitchen gardens in every household across the district.
• Despite financial constraints and personal challenges, she dedicated her life for revival of the lost traditional healing system of Adi tribe in particular & the entire Arunachal Pradesh as a whole – becoming instrumental in keeping thetraditional knowledge of medicines alive.

Somanna

State: Karnataka

Category: Social Work (Tribal – PVTG)

• Tribal Welfare Worker from Mysuru, tirelessly working for upliftment of Jenu Kuruba tribe for over 4 decades.
• Assisted in acquiring title deeds to ensure the legal recognition and protection of more than 500 tribal communities residing in forest areas.
• His social work extended to environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats.
• Jenu Kuruba is a honey collecting tribe from Nilgiris witharound 40,000 inhabitants.
• Previously a bonded labourer, he realised the true importance of freedom and rights and went on to dedicate his life to advocating for the rights of tribals.

Sarbeswar Basumatary

State: Assam

Category: Others (Agriculture)

• Tribal Farmer from Chirang who successfully adopted mixed integrated farming approach and cultivated varieties of crops like coconuts, oranges, paddy, litchis and maize.
• Demonstrating a community-focused approach, he transmitted his knowledge and learnings to other farmers, helping increase efficiency and uplift livelihoods.
• Once a daily wage labourer, his enduring spirit and enthusiasm has become a role model for the agricultural community – despite lacking any formal education and against heavy odds.

Prema Dhanraj

State: Karnataka

Category: Medicine (Indigenous – Burns)

• Plastic (Reconstructive) Surgeon & Social Worker, dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of burn victims – her legacy extending beyond surgery, championing burn prevention, awareness and policy reform.
• Founded Agni Raksha NGO, provided free surgery to 25,000 burn victims + Authored 3 books on Plastic Surgery.
• As part of her global humanitarian efforts, establishedEthiopia’s 1st burns unit, and educated doctors in Kenya, Tanzania, Norway, Ethiopia.
• A survivor of 50% burns at age of 8 (when a stove burst onher face while playing in the kitchen), she triumphed overpersonal tragedy to become a driving force of change.
• She underwent more than 14 surgeries as a child at Christian Medical College Vellore – and went on to become a Surgeon & HoD in the same hospital.

Uday Vishwanath Deshpande

State: Maharashtra

Category: Sports (Coach – Mallakhamb)

• International Mallakhamb Coach, who worked relentlessly in reviving, revitalizing and popularizing the sport at global level.
• Personally trained over 5,000 people from 50 countries – introduced Mallakhamb to diverse groups including women, divyangjan, orphans, tribals and senior citizens.
• As director of Vishwa Mallakhamb Federation, played a pivotal role in contributing significantly to it’s international reach.
• Created a rule-book with criteria of judgement andcompetition and standardizing all regulations whichwas recognized by Indian Olympic Association.

Yazdi Maneksha Italia

State: Gujarat

Category: Medicine (Indigenous – Sickle Cell)

• Renowned Microbiologist who pioneered development of India’s inaugural Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program (SCACP)
• Pioneered newborn screening through heel prick dry blood samples in collaboration with ICMR – prevented & controlled new births with SCD by screening 2 lakh tribals.
• Screened more than 95 lakh tribal individuals across Gujarat, identifying 7.2 lakh Sickle Cell trait cases, and issuing color-coded cards for effective counselling.

Shanti Devi Paswan & Shivan Paswan

State: Bihar

Category: Art (Painting – Folk – Madhubani)

• Husband-wife from Dusadh community, who overcame social stigma to become globally recognized Godna painters – exhibiting artwork in countries like USA, Japan and Hong Kong and training over 20,000 women.
• Painting themes are centered on epics and legends of Dusadh community, with Raja Sailesh (chief deity of community) as a key character.
• Shanti Devi, who was once refused drinking water invillage because of her caste, went on to showcase her talent on global stage at G20 Summit in India.
• Despite facing financial constraints, Shivan continued to paint and impart the skill to young people.

Ratan Kahar

State: West Bengal

Category: Art (Vocals – Folk – Bhadu)

• Renowned Bhadu Folk Singer from Birbhum, has devoted over 60 years to folk music.
• Known for captivating roles in Jatra Folk theatre and specializing in Bhadu festival songs and genres like Tuşu, Jhumur, and Alkab.
• Propogates Bhadu songs which are sung on each night of the Bhadu festival.
• His composition ‘Boro Loker Biti Lo’ is popular, despite financial hardship and coming from a family of labourers, he started singing at the age of 16 and has left a indelible mark.

Ashok Kumar Biswas

State: Bihar

Category: Art (Painting – Folk – Tikuli)

• Prolific Tikuli Painter credited for revival and modification of the Mauryan era artform through his efforts over last 5 decades.
• Creating thousands of designs & exported countless paintings.
• Providing free training to women & girls – trained more than 8,000 female artists.
• Popularised the art Nationally as well as internationally by showcasing work in more than 100 exhibitions in 5 countries.
• Left his job and dedicated his life for reviving theTikuli art.

Balakrishnan Sadanam Puthiya Veetil

State: Kerala

Category: Art (Dance – Classical – Kathakali)

• Distinguished Kalluvazhi Kathakali Dancer with a careerspanning over 60 years – earning global acclaim andpromoting a deeper understanding of Indian traditions.
• Graced 30 national / international festivals across 25 countries.
• As a choreographer and producer, crafted more than 35 newplays and adapted Shakespeare into Kathakali plays.
• His literary contribution included compilation of 14 Aattakathakal or Kathakali texts, enumerating stories fromPuranas and Greek tragedies.
• Considered a sought after and respected Guru, passing on the true essence to future generations – many of his disciples have now become accomplished performers.
• Started as a Senior Artist at a Dance Institute in Delhi in 1974, later became it’s director by 1980.

Uma Maheshwari D

State: Andhra Pradesh

Category: Art (Storytelling – Harikatha)

• 1st Female Harikatha Exponent, has showcased her skill in Sanskrit recitation.
• Recites Kathas in multiple ragas such as Savitri, Bhairavi, Subhapantuvarali, Kedaram, Kalyani.
• Proficient in Telugu and Sanskrit – authored over four Harikathas, covering figures like Ramana Maharshi and Potti Sriramul.
• Her contribution has encouraged many young girls to come out of barriers of tradition and adopt the art.

Gopinath Swain

State: Odisha

Category: Art (Vocals – Bhajan – Odia)

• Krishna Leela Singer from Ganjam, dedicated his life to preserve and promote the tradition.
• His commitment to traditional techniques and improvisational methods breathed life into Krishna Leela, created a bridge between past and present.
• Sang & taught 5 ancient ragas – Dakhinasri + Chinta Desakhya + Todi Bhatiari + Bhatiari + Kumbha Kamodi.
• Established Akhadas (traditional village schools) andimparted his knowledge to hundreds of disciples –
• Despite old age, he has been teaching and propagating this unique art, scouting talent from across Southern Odisha.

Smriti Rekha Chakma

State: Tripura

Category: Art (Textile – Weaving – Loinloom)

• Chakma Loinloom Shawl Weaver from Tripura, whotransforms eco-friendly vegetables dyed cotton threadsinto traditional designs, promoting the use of natural dyes.
• Established Ujeia Jadha, a socio cultural organization toimpart training to rural women in the art of weaving.
• Continues the process of travelling into forests to procure roots, seeds, herbs or leaves for the dye, before it gets into the whole process of drying, crushing & getting the colour.

Omprakash Sharma

State: Madhya Pradesh

Category: Art (Theatre – Folk – Mach)

• Mach Theatre Artist who has devoted 7 decades of his life to promote this 200 year old traditional dance drama of the Malwa region.
• Penned scripts for Mach theater productions and re-crafted Sanskrit plays into Mach style.
• Serving as an educator, trained students at NSD Delhi and Bharat Bhavan Bhopal, passing on his expertise in the art form.

Narayanan E P

State: Kerala

Category: Art (Dance – Folk – Theyyam)

• Veteran Theyyam Folk Dancer from Kannur – mastery extending beyond dance to the entire Theyyam ecosystemincluding costume designing & face painting techniques.
• Began his 6 decade-long career at 5 yrs, showcased art in 300 performances across 20 variants of Theyyam.
• Theyyam is an ancient folk ritual combining theatre, music, mime and dance, generally performed in front of the village shrine – performed with musical instruments like Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal.

Bhagabat Padhan

State: Odisha

Category: Art (Dance – Folk – Sabda Nrutya)

• Exponent of Sabda Nrutya Folk dance from Bargarh, who has taken the dance form beyond the temples.
• Dedicated over 5 decades of his life to preserve and popularise the art which is considered the dance of Mahadev.
• His lifelong efforts contributed significantly in sustaining this dance form – including training more than 600 dancers.

Sanatan Rudra Pal

State:  West Bengal

Category: Art (Sculpture)

• Distinguished sculptor with over 5 decades of experience, preserving and promoting the traditional art form – specializes in crafting Sabeki Durga idols.
• His work has become an integral part of the annual Durga Puja celebrations, with his clay sculptures adorning more than 30 pandals each year.
• Garnered recognition from UNESCO for his idols

Badrappan M

State:  Tamil Nadu

Category: Art (Dance – Folk – Kummi)

• Exponent of Valli Oyil Kummi Folk Dance from Coimbatore – a mixed form of song and dance performance which depicts the stories of deities ‘Muruggan’ and ‘Valli’.
• Addresses social issues though dance – spreads knowledge regarding Indian history & mythology.

Jordan Lepcha

State: Sikkim

Category: Art (Craft – Bamboo)

• Bamboo Craftsman from Mangan, who is nurturing the cultural heritage of Lepcha tribe.
• Preserving the ancient craft of weaving traditional Lepcha hats and bamboo crafts for last 25 years.
• A skilled artisan and dedicated trainer, imparted his knowledge to over 150 youths from different parts of Sikkim – many of whom now sustain themselves by establishing their own Bamboo Crafts.

Machihan Sasa

State: Manipur

Category: Art (Craft – Pottery – Black)

• Longpi Potter from Ukhrul who dedicated 5 decades to preserve this ancient Manipuri traditional pottery which traces its roots back to the Neolithic period (10,000 BC).
• Longpi Pottery is a rare pottery form which uses black serpentine stone and brown clay without a wheel.
• Created, marketed and exhibited varieties of Longpi Pottery products such as cooking pots, teacups, etc – infusing new designs inspired by Manipuri folk art.

Gaddam Sammaiah

State: Telangana

Category: Art (Dance – Yakshagana)

• Eminent Chindu Yakshaganam Theatre Artist from Jangaon, performing this rich heritage art form for over 5 decades over 19,000 shows.
• Addresses social issues such as total literacy, environmental protection.
• Founded Chindu Yaksha Kalakarula Sangham &Gaddam Sammaiah Yuva Kala Skethram to promotethis art.

Jankilal

State: Rajasthan

Category: Art (Theatre – Folk – Rajasthani)

• Behrupiya Artist from Bhilwara, mastering the fading art form and captivating global audiences for over 6 decades• Carrying on the legacy of 3 generations – intricately created multiple characters from mythology, folklore and traditional stories.
• Dedicated his life in promoting this local art in Mewar region of Rajasthan.

Dasari Kondappa

State: Telangana

Category: Art (Music – Instrument – String – Burra Veena)

• 3rd generation Burra Veena player from Damaragidda village in Narayanpet, has dedicated his life to preserving the artform.
• Holding the distinction of being the last exponentof Burra Veena, he has protected it from extinction.
• Sings ‘Tatvalu’ socio-religious moral compositions & spiritual-philosophical renditions in Telugu, Kannada.

Babu Ram Yadav

State: Uttar Pradesh

Category: Art (Craft – Brass)

• Brass Marori craftsperson with over 6 decades experience in creating intricate brass artifacts using traditional crafting techniques.
• Dedicated his life to learn the intricacies and nuances of this artform & showcased his work at 40 exhibitions globally, along with exporting the products.
• Successfully kept this craft alive through his training workshops and training cum production centre in Uttar Pradesh, where he provides free training to over 1,000 new artisans including leprosy patients.

Nepal Chandra Sutradhar

State: West Bengal

Category: Art (Craft – Mask Making – Chau)

• 3 rd Generation Chhau mask maker with over 50 years spent in the preservation of Chhau maskmaking.
• Trained 70+ Chhau dance groups and participated in mask making workshops nationally & internationally.
• Learnt Chhau mask making from his father & grandfather at the age of 8 years.
• Posthumous (Nov 2023)