90-Year-Old Musician, Mumbai Paediatrician On Padma Awards' 'Unsung Heroes' List: Sources

The Padma Awards, among India's highest civilian honours, were announced on the eve of Republic Day. It recognised individuals for distinguished and exceptional service across diverse fields. The honours are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

This year's Padma list continues the focus on celebrating “ordinary Indians with extraordinary contributions.” And this year, 45 individuals from across India have been chosen for Padma Shri award in the 'unsung heroes' category, sources said. 

Many awardees come from marginalised backgrounds, including Backward and Dalit communities, tribal groups and remote regions, and have overcome personal hardships to serve society.

The recipients have worked across healthcare, education, sanitation, sustainability and livelihood generation, with a strong focus on Divyangjan, women, children, Dalits and tribal communities.

Their contributions range from tackling local health challenges and pioneering medical initiatives to preserving indigenous culture, protecting ecology, reviving traditional arts and promoting cleanliness and social welfare.

Mohan Nagar from Madhya Pradesh was recognised for his work in environmental conservation, while Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai from Gujarat received the honour in the field of art.

Anke Gowda from Karnataka - once a bus conductor - has been recognised for setting up the world's largest free-access library - 'Pustak Mane', comprising more than two million books in 20 languages, along with rare manuscripts. 

Armida Fernandes, a Mumbai-based paediatrician from Maharashtra, was awarded for setting up Asia'a first human milk bank, improving the survival prospects of infants. Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda, a 90-year old tribal Tarpa player – a musical instrument made of bottle gourd and bamboo – from Maharashtra, and a distinguished social worker from Jammu and Kashmir, Brij Lal Bhat, are also on the list.

List of people awarded Padma honours this year:

1. Anke Gowda
2. Armida Fernandez
3. Bhagwandas Raikwar
4. Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda
5. Brij Lal Bhat
6. Budhri Tati
7. Charan Hembram
8. Chiranji Lal Yadav
9. Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya
10. Gafruddin Mewati Jogi
11. Hally War
12. Inderjit Singh Sidhu
13. K Pajanivel
14. Kailash Chandra Pant
15. Khem Raj Sundriyal
16. Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G
17. Kumarasamy Thangaraj
18. Mahendra Kumar Mishra
19. Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai
20. Mohan Nagar
21. Naresh Chandra Dev Varma
22. Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala
23. Nuruddin Ahmed
24. Othuvar Thiruthani Swaminathan
25. Padma Gurmet
26. Pokhila Lekthepi
27. Punniamurthy Natesan
28. R Krishnan
29. Raghupat Singh
30. Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar
31. Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar
32. Rama Reddy Mamidi
33. Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole
34. S G Susheelamma
35. Sangyusang S Pongener
36. Shafi Shauq
37. Shrirang Devaba Lad
38. Shyam Sundar
39. Simanchal Patro
40. Suresh Hanagavadi
41. Taga Ram Bheel
42. Techi Gubin
43. Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam
44. Vishwa Bandhu
45. Yumnam Jatra Singh

Earlier in the day, 982 personnel from the Police, Fire Services, Home Guards, Civil Defence and Correctional Services were awarded gallantry and service medals ahead of Republic Day 2026.