Forty-five people from across India, including a former bus conductor who founded the world’s largest free-access library and a paediatrician who established Asia’s first human milk bank, have been named for the Padma Shri in the “unsung heroes” category ahead of Republic Day.
The initial list, shared by sources, has people whose quiet, steadfast service has made a lasting impact on society, often without public recognition.
WHO ARE THE ‘UNSUNG’ PADMA AWARDEES
The list features people from diverse regions and backgrounds:
Literature and Education: Anke Gawda, Charan Hembram, Kailash Chand Pant, Shafi Shauq, Naresh Chandra Dev, Mahendra Kumar Mishra
Social Work: Braj Lal Bhat, Budri Thati, Hally War, Inderjit Singh Sidhu, Techi Gubin, SG Susheelamma, Nilesh Mandlewala
Art: Dharmiklal, K Pajanivel, Chiranji Lal Yadav, Yumnam Jatra Singh, Vishwa Bandhu, Thiruvarrur Bakhtvasalam, Taga Ram Bheel, Simanchal Patra, Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar, Raghuveer Khedkar, R Krishnan, Pokila Lekthepi, Othuvar Thiruthanu, Nruddun Ahmed, Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, Khem Raj Sundriyal
Medicine and Health: Dr Shaym Sundar, Dr Punniamurthy Natesan (TN), Armida Fernandes (MH), Dr Kumarasamy Thangaraj (TEL), Dr Padma Gurmet (J&K), Suresh Hanagavadi, R&S Godbole
Sports: Bhagwan Das Raikwar, Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda
Agriculture & Environment: Shirrang Devaba Lad, Rahupat Singh, Rama Reddy, Mohan Nagar, Kollakkayil Devaki Amma
Animal Husbandry: Rama Reddy
The list also includes individuals working in veterinary science, genetics, indigenous medicine, and afforestation.
RECOGNITION OF GRASSROOTS CONTRIBUTORS
Sources said the Union Home Ministry has begun sharing videos showcasing the work of these awardees. The content highlights long-term efforts in healthcare, education, sanitation, sustainability, livelihood generation, and environmental conservation.
“Unsung and unique Padma awardees reflect the idea of celebrating ordinary Indians making extraordinary contributions,” a source said.
Many awardees hail from marginalised communities, including backward and Dalit groups, tribal populations, and residents of remote or difficult terrains.
LIFELONG SERVICE TO SOCIETY
The awardees’ contributions cover a wide spectrum:
- Doctors tackling local health challenges like haemophilia
- Neonatologists establishing India’s first human milk bank
- Social workers serving Divyangjan, women, children, Dalits, and tribals
- Activists promoting tribal languages, indigenous martial arts, and national integration in border states
- Individuals preserving dying arts and weaves and safeguarding ecological wealth
“These are people who have dedicated their entire lives to serving society, often without recognition,” a source said.
The government is expected to release the final, comprehensive list of Padma Awards 2026 recipients later today.
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Published By:
Sonali Verma
Published On:
Jan 25, 2026
