NEW DELHI: The Union government on Saturday released the first list of Padma Award winners on the eve of the 76th Republic Day celebrations. The list includes several unsung heroes, such as 100-year-old freedom fighter, a fruit farmer from Noklak, and a Paralympian, among others.
Among the awardees is Harvinder Singh, a para-archer from Kaithal, Haryana, known as “Kaithal ka Eklavya.” He became the first Indian to win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Libia Lobo Sardesai, a key figure in Goa’s freedom movement, co-established an underground radio station called ‘Voz da Liberdade’ (Voice of Freedom) in a forested area in 1955 to mobilize people against Portuguese rule.
The list also includes Neerja Bhatla, a Delhi-based gynecologist specializing in cervical cancer detection and prevention, who has been awarded the Padma Shri.
Bhim Singh Bhavesh, a social worker from Bhojpur, received the Padma Shri for his 22 years of work supporting the marginalized Musahar community through his foundation, Nayee Asha.
P Datchanamoorthy, an expert in the South Indian classical percussion instrument Thavil with over five decades of experience, has also been honored with the Padma Shri.
L Hangthing, a fruit farmer from Noklak, Nagaland, with more than 30 years of experience cultivating non-native fruits, has been recognized with the Padma Shri.
Here are some other names
Jagdish Joshila -Nimadi and Hindi author from Khargone of over 5 decades.
P Datchanamoorthy – Instrumentalist specializing in Thavil, a classical percussion instrument vital to South Indian music and culture, with more than 5 decades of experience.
Hugh and Colleen Gantzer – Husband and wife writer duo, recognized for their significant contributions to Indian travel journalism over 5 decades.
Jonas Masetti – A mechanical engineer turned Hindu Spiritual Leader from Brazil – promoted Indian spirituality, philosophy and culture.
Neerja Bhatla – A Delhi-based gynecologist specializing in cervical cancer detection and prevention.
Hariman Sharma – Apple Farmer from Bilaspur who developed a low-chilling apple variety ‘HRMN 99’ – which grows in low altitudes at 1,800 feet above sea level, making it a first-of-its-kind innovation.
Harvinder Singh – a para-archer from Kaithal.
Shaikha A J Al Sabah– Yoga Practitioner from Kuwait, who founded Daratma, Kuwait’s first licensed yoga studio.
Naren Gurung – Versatile Folk Artist from Gangtok devoted 60 years to preserve and promote Sikkimese Nepali folk music and dance traditions.
Bheru Singh Chouhan – Prolific Nirgun Folk Singer who has devoted over 5 decades to bhajan music.
Jumde Yomgam Gamlin – Tirelessly worked for deaddiction and social reform for local communities for last 3 decades.
