Padma and Gallantry Awardees:
The prestigious Padma awards, a symbol of India’s highest civilian honors, were announced on the eve of Republic Day, celebrating the contributions of 34 remarkable individuals from various fields. This year’s recipients include the country’s first woman mahout, Parvati Barua, and tribal welfare worker Jageshwar Yadav, both hailing from Assam. The awards also recognize the selfless efforts of individuals like Charmi Murmu, Dukhu Majhi, and Hemchand Manjhi, each making a significant impact in their respective domains.
Padma Awardees Making a Difference:
Parvati Barua: A Royal Dedication to Elephant Conservation
Parvati Barua, a member of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group, dedicated her life to the service of animals, particularly elephants. Hailing from Gauripur, Assam, she actively works towards saving elephants and has been featured in numerous documentaries showcasing her passion and commitment.
Chami Murmu: Empowering Women Through Self-Employment
Padma Shri recipient Chami Murmu has transformed the lives of 28,000 women over the past 28 years by providing self-employment opportunities. Her impactful work earned her the Nari Shakti Award, presented by President Ram Nath Kovind in 2019, recognizing her dedication to women’s empowerment.
Jageshwar Yadav: A Lifelong Commitment to Tribal Welfare
Jageshwar Yadav, a tribal welfare worker from Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, receives the Padma Award for Social Work (Tribal – PVTG). His relentless efforts include establishing an ashram, eliminating illiteracy, and providing healthcare to marginalized communities, especially during the pandemic.
Dukhu Majhi: Eco-Afforestation on Two Wheels
Hailing from Sindri village, West Bengal, Dukhu Majhi, a tribal environmentalist, is honored for his work in social eco-afforestation. He planted over 5,000 trees on barren land, traveling to new destinations on his bicycle every day, showcasing a remarkable commitment to environmental conservation.
Hemchand Manjhi: Healing with Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicinal doctor Hemchand Manjhi from Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, is recognized for his contributions to AYUSH traditional medicine. For over five decades, he has provided affordable healthcare to villagers, starting his noble service at the young age of 15.
Sangthankima: Nurturing Mizoram’s Future Through ‘Thutak Nunpuitu Team’
Sangthankima, a social worker from Aizawl, Mizoram, is honored for running Mizoram’s largest orphanage, ‘Thutak Nunpuitu Team.’ Her dedication to the welfare of children is acknowledged with the Padma Shri in the field of social work (children).
K Chellammal: Revolutionizing Agriculture with Organic Farming
Organic farmer K Chellammal, also known as ‘Coconut Amma,’ is awarded the Padmashree in the field of Others (Agro-Organic). Her success lies in developing a 10-acre organic farm, showcasing the potential of sustainable agriculture.
Gurvinder Singh: A Champion for the Disabled
Gurvinder Singh, a disabled social worker from Sirsa, Haryana, receives recognition for his work in the welfare of the homeless, destitute, women, orphans, and disabled people.
Gallantry Awardees Displaying Extraordinary Courage:
Kirti Chakra Awardees: Exemplifying Valor
Captain Anshuman Singh, Havildar Abdul Majeed, and Sep Pawan Kumar, posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, the second-highest peacetime gallantry award, exemplify valor and sacrifice in their service.
Shaurya Chakra Awardees: Courage Beyond Measure
Sixteen individuals, including Maneo Francis, Amandeep Jakhar, and Lieutenant Bimal Ranjan, are honored with the Shaurya Chakra for displaying courage beyond measure in the face of adversity.
Param Vishisht Seva Medal Awardees: Exemplary Service in the Armed Forces
Army and Air Force commanders, including Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Air Marshal Vibhas Pandey, receive the Param Vishisht Seva Medal for their exemplary service in the armed forces.
Honoring the Guardians of Security:
Police Medal Awardees: Recognizing Bravery in the Line of Duty
Thirty-seven CISF personnel, including IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, and 15 SSB jawans, who played a crucial role in neutralizing six most-wanted Naxalites in Bihar, are awarded the Police Medal.
Prime Minister’s National Children’s Award: Celebrating Young Achievers
Nineteen children from across states and union territories are honored with the Prime Minister’s National Children’s Award for their extraordinary bravery, artistic skill, innovative thinking, and selfless service.
Conclusion:
Republic Day 2024 witnessed the recognition of outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to society, ranging from animal welfare and environmental conservation to tribal welfare and national security. These awards serve as a reminder of the diverse talents and unwavering commitment that shape India’s progress.
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