Padma Awards

1. India’s 2024 Padma Awards acknowledge 132 individuals for exceptional contributions.
2. Among the recipients are 34 unsung heroes, including the first female elephant mahout and a burn victim-turned-surgeon.
3. The awardees also feature a renowned sculptor artist, a tribal welfare worker, a traditional medicine practitioner, and a veteran coach of the traditional Indian sport Mallakhamb.

New Delhi, Jan 26: India’s Padma Awards for 2024 have been announced, recognizing 132 individuals for their exceptional contributions.

Among the esteemed awardees are 34 unsung heroes, including the first female elephant mahout, a burn victim-turned-surgeon, a renowned sculptor artist, a tribal welfare worker, a traditional medicine practitioner, and a veteran coach of the traditional Indian sport Mallakhamb.

Highlights of Some Padma Shri Awardees:

  1. Parbati Barua (Social Work – Animal Welfare):
    • An animal conservationist from Assam and India’s first female elephant mahout.
    • Born into the Rajahs of Gauripur, her life was featured in the BBC documentary “Queen of the Elephants.”
    • Dedicated to mitigating human-elephant conflict, she played a crucial role in saving rogue tuskers.
  2. Prema Dhanraj (Medicine – Indigenous Burns):
    • A 72-year-old plastic reconstructive surgeon and social worker.
    • Survived a fire accident as a child, suffering 50% burn injuries.
    • Became one of India’s top plastic surgeons, focusing on the care and rehabilitation of burn victims.
  3. Sanatan Rudra Pal (Art – Sculpture):
    • A renowned Kumartuli artist known for creating majestic and towering Durga idols.
    • Has been a sculptor artist for over 50 years, with his works showcased globally during Durga Puja celebrations.
  4. Hemchand Manjhi (Medicine – AYUSH Traditional Medicine):
    • A traditional medicine practitioner from Chhattisgarh providing affordable healthcare to villagers for over five decades.
    • Recognized for his significant contributions to AYUSH traditional medicine.
  5. Somanna (Social Work – Tribal):
    • A tribal welfare worker from Mysuru working for over four decades for the upliftment of the Jenu Kuruba tribe.
    • Recognized for his dedicated efforts in the field of tribal welfare.
  6. Uday Vishwanath Deshpande (Sport – Mallakhamb):
    • A veteran coach of the traditional Indian sport Mallakhamb.
    • Worked tirelessly to revive, revitalize, and popularize the sport globally.
    • Acknowledged with the Padma Shri in the field of sport.
  7. Chami Murmu (Environment/Women’s Empowerment):
    • A tribal environmentalist and advocate for women’s empowerment from Jharkhand.
    • Recognized for spearheading afforestation efforts and planting over three million plants in Seraikela Kharsawan district.
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Padma Awards Overview:

  • The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India, conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
  • A total of 132 Padma Awards have been approved, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri Awards.
  • These awards honor individuals across various disciplines, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.