Padma Awards 2024: Honoring Diverse Contributions of Unsung Heroes

A Celebration of Remarkable Achievements Across Multiple Fields

On the 75th Republic Day, the government of India revealed the list of Padma Shri awardees for 2024, recognizing individuals whose outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on society. This year's recipients showcase a diverse array of achievements across various fields. Here, we highlight the remarkable contributions of these unsung heroes:

Unsung Heroes from Various Fields

Hemchand Manjhi: Vaidyaraj Manjhi

Hemchand Manjhi, a traditional medicinal practitioner from Narayanpur, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his exceptional work in medicine. For over five decades, he has provided affordable healthcare to villagers, employing his special knowledge of herbs in the remote forests of Abujhmarh. Despite facing threats and personal attacks by Naxals, Hemchand Manjhi has continued to serve his community with sincerity and zeal.

Prema Dhanraj: Agni Rakshak

As a Plastic (Reconstructive) Surgeon & Social Worker, Prema Dhanraj has been dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of burn victims. Beyond surgery, she champions burn prevention, awareness, and policy reform. The founder of Agni Raksha NGO, Prema Dhanraj has provided free surgery to 25,000 burn victims, authored three books on Plastic Surgery, and established Ethiopia’s first burns unit.

Yazdi Maneksha Italia: Sickle Cell Crusader

Renowned microbiologist Yazdi Maneksha Italia has dedicated his life to fighting sickle cell anemia among the tribals of Gujarat. Instrumental in developing India’s inaugural Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program (SCACP), he pioneered newborn screening and identified 7.2 lakh Sickle Cell trait cases. Yazdi Maneksha Italia's efforts in screening more than 95 lakh tribal individuals across Gujarat have been crucial in preventing and controlling new births with sickle cell disease.

Parbati Baruah: Social Work (Animal Welfare)

India's first female elephant trainer, Parbati Baruah, has dedicated her life to social work and animal welfare. Her decades-long compassion for animals and social service has earned her the Padma Shri.

Jageshwar Yadav: Social Work (Tribal)

In Chhattisgarh, Jageshwar Yadav has tirelessly worked towards tribal welfare. His Padma Shri acknowledges his commitment to eradicating illiteracy and improving healthcare standards for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Birhor and Korwa.

Chami Murmu: Social Work (Environment)

A tribal environmentalist and women empowerment advocate from Jharkhand, Chami Murmu's Padma Shri reflects her relentless efforts against illegal logging, timber mafia, and wildlife protection. Over 28 lakh planted trees and the empowerment of 30,000 women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) demonstrate her environmental stewardship.

Sathyanarayana Beleri: Agriculture (Preserved over 650 varieties of traditional rice)

Recognized for preserving over 650 varieties of traditional rice, Sathyanarayana Beleri's Padma Shri celebrates his crucial role in safeguarding agricultural biodiversity and preserving India's rich farming heritage.

Dukhu Majhi: Social Work (Environment)

From Sindri Village in Purulia, Dukhu Majhi, a tribal environmentalist, has planted trees on barren land since the age of 12. His Padma Shri acknowledges his dedication to environmental conservation through the planting of 5,000 banyan, mango, and blackberry trees.

K Chellammal: Organic Farming

Acknowledged for her expertise in organic farming, K Chellammal's Padma Shri underscores her significant contributions to sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

Sangthankima: Social Work (Child Welfare)

Sangthankima, a social worker from Aizawl, runs Mizoram's largest orphanage and contributes to the rehabilitation of Northeastern communities and Burmese refugees. His Padma Shri celebrates his transformative impact on child welfare.

Yanung Jamoh Lego: Herbal Medicine Expert

Awarded for her contributions in agriculture and medicine, Yanung Jamoh Lego's expertise in providing medical care, educating individuals on medicinal herbs, and training Self-Help Groups (SHGs) showcases her efforts in reviving traditional healing systems in the Adi tribe and Arunachal Pradesh.

These unsung heroes, representing diverse fields, embody the spirit of the People's Padma Awards. Their stories of dedication, compassion, and transformative impact inspire us all. The Padma Awards 2024, by recognizing these extraordinary individuals, reaffirm the government's commitment to honoring those who have made a significant and lasting difference in their communities.

Reference:

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