India, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse contributions to various fields, has recently announced the prestigious Padma Shri Awards for 2024. These awards honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society in various domains. The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in the Republic of India.

The 2024 Padma Shri Awards represent a diverse group of achievers, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields. Let’s delve into the inspiring stories of these extraordinary individuals:

List of Padma Shri Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence and Contributions

1. Parbati Barua: Pioneering Female Elephant Mahout

• Parbati Barua, the first female elephant mahout in India, has triumphed over traditional gender roles in the male-dominated field. Her dedication has paved the way for women to establish themselves in the forefront of the elephantine domain.

2. Jaggeshwar Yadav: Advocate for Adivasi Welfare in Jashpur

• Hailing from Jashpur, Jaggeshwar Yadav is a dedicated tribal welfare worker. His life is a testament to his commitment to uplift the marginalized Birhor and Hill Korwa communities, residing on the fringes.

3. Chami Murmu: Adivasi Environmentalist and Women Empowerment Champion

• Based in Saraikela Kharsawan, Chami Murmu is an environmentalist and a champion for women’s empowerment among the Adivasi community. Her initiatives have led to the establishment of the ‘Thutak Nunpu’ team, the largest orphanage in Mizoram.

4. Gurvinder Singh: Advocate for the Differently-Abled in Sirsa

• Gurvinder Singh, a social worker from Sirsa, has dedicated his life to serving the homeless, destitute, women, orphans, and the differently-abled. His efforts have significantly improved the lives of these vulnerable groups.

5. Satyanarayan Beleri: Guardian of Traditional Rice Varieties in Kasargod

• Hailing from Kasargod, Satyanarayan Beleri is a rice farmer renowned for safeguarding over 650 traditional rice varieties. He is a custodian of rice crops and is recognized as a savior of the crop’s genetic diversity.

6. Sangthangkima: Leading Social Worker in Aizawl

• Sangthangkima, a social worker in Aizawl, has taken the lead in managing the largest orphanage in Mizoram, known as the ‘Thutak Nunpuite Team.’

7. Hemchand Manjhi: Traditional Healer in Narayanpur

• Hemchand Manjhi, a traditional healthcare practitioner in Narayanpur, has been providing affordable health services to rural communities for over five decades. His journey began at the age of 15, serving the underserved.

8. Dukhu Majhi: Adivasi Environmentalist in Purulia

• Dukhu Majhi, from Sindri village in Purulia, is an Adivasi environmentalist contributing to the preservation of the region’s ecology.

9. Ke Chellammal: Organic Farmer in South Andaman

• Ke Chellammal, a farmer in South Andaman, has successfully developed a 10-acre organic farm.

10. Yanung Jamoh Lego: Herbal Medicine Specialist in Arunachal Pradesh

• Yanung Jamoh Lego is an expert in herbal medicine hailing from Arunachal Pradesh.

11. Somanna: Adivasi Welfare Worker in Mysuru

• Somanna, an Adivasi welfare worker in Mysuru, has been actively working towards the upliftment of the tribal community.

12. Sarbeshwar Basumatari: Tribal Farmer in Chirang

• Sarbeshwar Basumatari is a dedicated tribal farmer in Chirang, making significant contributions to sustainable agriculture.

13. Prema Dhanraj: Plastic Surgeon and Social Worker

• Prema Dhanraj, a renowned plastic surgeon, has been leading in the field for over six decades. Additionally, she actively engages in social work.

14. Uday Vishwanath Deshpande: International Mallakhamb Coach

• Uday Vishwanath Deshpande has made a mark in the international sports arena as a Mallakhamb coach, contributing to the promotion of this traditional Indian sport.

15. Yazdi Maneckshaw Italia: Microbiologist Specializing in Sickle Cell Anemia

• Yazdi Maneckshaw Italia is a distinguished microbiologist, specializing in Sickle Cell Anemia.

16. Shanti Devi Paswan and Shivan Paswan: Dynamic Duo of Madhubani Painting

• Shanti Devi Paswan and Shivan Paswan are a renowned pair of Madhubani painters who have become a face of social equality through their artwork.

17. Ratan Kahar: Folk Musician and Lyricist

• Ratan Kahar is a folk musician who gained attention with his composition “Boro Loker Biti Lo,” becoming a source of inspiration for many.

18. Ashok Kumar Vishwas: Folk Artist and Trainer

• Ashok Kumar Vishwas, a folk artist, has revitalized the ancient art form of Tikuli in the Maurya era, training thousands and creating numerous designs.

19. Balakrishnan Sadanam Puthiya Veetil: Global Kathakali Performer

• Balakrishnan Sadanam Puthiya Veetil has received global acclaim for his Kathakali performances over the past six decades.

20. Uma Maheshwari D: First Female Harikatha Exponent

• Uma Maheshwari D, the first female Harikatha exponent, has showcased her skills in various ragas on the global stage.

21. Gopinath Swain: Centenarian Krishna Leela Performer

• Gopinath Swain, a centenarian, has been enchanting audiences with his Krishna Leela performances for over 90 years.

22. Smriti Rekha Chakma: Weaver of Eco-Friendly Textiles

• Smriti Rekha Chakma transforms dyed silk threads from environmentally friendly vegetables into traditional designs.

23. Omprakash Sharma: Preserver of Malwa’s 200-Year-Old ‘Maach’

• Omprakash Sharma has dedicated more than seven decades to promoting the traditional Malwa region dance drama ‘Maach.’

24. Narayanan E.P.: Upholder of Theyyam Traditional Art Form

• Narayanan E.P. has dedicated six decades to enhancing the traditional art form of Theyyam.

25. Bhagwat Padhan: Expanding the Horizon of Sambalpuri Dance

• Bhagwat Padhan has expanded the domain of Sambalpuri dance and trained diverse groups in the art.

26. Sanatan Rudra Pal: Master Sculptor of Traditional Durga Statues

• Sanatan Rudra Pal, a sculptor, has spent over five decades crafting traditional Durga statues.

27. Badrappan M: 87-Year-Old Valli Oyila Kummi Dance Guru

• Badrappan M, an 87-year-old dance guru, imparts training to women, breaking traditional norms.

28. Jordan Lepcha: Guardian of Sikkim’s Traditional Lepcha Toys

• Jordan Lepcha is dedicated to preserving Sikkim’s traditional Lepcha toys.

29. Machihan Sasa: Master Craftsman of Longpi Pottery

• Machihan Sasa, a master craftsman, has played a key role in preserving and promoting Manipur’s Longpi pottery tradition.

30. Gaddam Sammayya: Advocate through Yakshagana Performance

• Gaddam Sammayya has used the medium of Yakshagana performances to shed light on social issues for over five decades.

31. Jankilal: Third-Generation Expert in Disappearing Bahurupeya Art

• Jankilal is a third-generation artist mastering the disappearing Bahurupeya art form for over six decades.

32. Dasari Konappa: Last Burrakatha Veena Player

• Dasari Konappa, the last Burrakatha veena player, has dedicated his life to the preservation of this indigenous art.

33. Babu Ram Yadav: Global Leader in Complex Brass Murari Sculptures

• Babu Ram Yadav leads the global stage in intricate brass Marori sculptures for the last six decades.

34. Nepal Chandra Sutradhar: Last of the Purulia Chhau Mask Craftsmen

• Nepal Chandra Sutradhar is the last surviving craftsman skilled in crafting Purulia Chhau masks, contributing to the preservation of this ancient dance form.

These 34 individuals showcase the diverse talents and contributions that make India proud. Their dedication to their crafts, commitment to social causes, and preservation of cultural heritage exemplify the true spirit of the Padma Shri Awards. Let us celebrate and honor these remarkable achievers for their outstanding efforts!