From Libraries to Tribal Upliftment: Inside 2026’s Padma Shri Unsung Heroes
A bus conductor who started a free-access library, a doctor who set up Asia’s first human milk bank, a 90-year old tribal Tarpa player and a geneticist who traced human migration from Africa to India. These are just a handful of unsung grassroots changemakers who are part of this year’s Padma Awards.
In all, 45 pioneers have been recognised in the Padma Shri Unsung Heroes category, a laudatory effort to put these real heroes in the spotlight.
Armida Fernandez (Maharashtra)
She is a renowned pediatrician and neonatologist. She established Asia’s first human milk bank. It has played a big role in revolutionising neonatal care and reducing infant mortality.
Anke Gowda M (Karnataka)
Anke Gowda has been awarded the Padma Shri for his pioneering work in promoting literacy and access to knowledge. He founded Pustakamane, which has grown into India’s largest free-access library, providing books and educational resources to communities with limited access to formal education. He has preserved rare books in over 20 languages.
Bhagwandas Raikwar (Madhya Pradesh)
A Bundeli war art trainer for at least six decades, Bhagwandas Raikwar is recognised for his contributions to preserving traditional folk arts and cultural heritage in rural Madhya Pradesh. Though lesser known outside his region, Raikwar’s dedication to sustaining indigenous performance art forms has helped safeguard cultural identities under threat. He is a mentor to over 1000 disciples.
Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda (Maharashtra)
He is one of the last few Tarpa players in India. Tarpa is a musical instrument made of bottle gourd and bamboo. Dhinda is 90 years old and has dedicated seven decades to preserving and promoting the traditional Warli wind instrument.
Kollakal Devaki Amma G (Kerala)
Devaki Amma has spent decades working at the grassroots level in Kerala, focusing on social welfare and upliftment of marginalised families. Her community-centric projects, spanning women’s self-help groups, health education, and support for the elderly, have transformed lives across several hamlets.
Charan Hembram (Odisha)
Charan Hembram’s recognition underscores his quiet but sustained advocacy for tribal education and empowerment in Odisha’s remote areas. A Santhali author and education reformer, he set up more than 1500 Itun Asra Centres safeguarding traditions.
Hally War (Meghalaya)
He revitalised Khasi living root bridges in Cherrapunji. He has mentored many families in root bridge weaving and environmental protection. He was instrumental in fortifying community bonds and environmental heritage which also, in turn, helped boost tourism.
The list of 45 unsung heroes includes others who have made a name for themselves across a wide range of fields from medicine, art, culture and social work. Some of the others are Brij Lal Bhat from Jammu & Kashmir, Asok Kumar Haldar from West Bengal, Baldev Singh from Punjab, Budhri Tati from Chhattisgarh, K Pajanivel from Puducherry, K Vijay Kumar from Tamil Nadu.