Search

Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions

13 results for "padma shri"

Doctor Wins Padma Shri for Healing India's Jarawa Tribe
Videos3d ago

Doctor Wins Padma Shri for Healing India's Jarawa Tribe

A public health doctor spent decades earning the trust of one of India's most isolated tribes using nothing but patience, respect, and medicine. His work with the Jarawa people became a model for ethical healthcare in indigenous communities.

The Better India2 min read
Doctor Couple Treats Village for Rs 2 for 35 Years
Community HeroesFeb 13

Doctor Couple Treats Village for Rs 2 for 35 Years

For 35 years, Dr Ravindra and Dr Smita Kolhe served a remote Maharashtra village charging just Rs 2 per visit, slashing infant deaths from 200 to 40 per 1,000 births. Their work transformed Melghat from a region plagued by farmer suicides into a thriving, suicide-free community.

The Better India2 min read
Mridangam Master Wins Padma Shri After 60 Years of Rhythm
Community HeroesFeb 5

Mridangam Master Wins Padma Shri After 60 Years of Rhythm

At 70, master percussionist Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam celebrates a triple milestone: India's Padma Shri honor, six decades as a professional musician, and 26 years running his music school. His journey from a nine-year-old accompanist to Olympic performer shows how dedication transforms traditional art into global inspiration.

The Hindu3 min read
Man Grows Living Root Bridge Over 50 Years, Wins Padma Shri
Community HeroesJan 29

Man Grows Living Root Bridge Over 50 Years, Wins Padma Shri

A 10-year-old boy in Meghalaya started growing a bridge from living tree roots using his grandfather's ancient wisdom. Five decades later, Hally War's creation draws 10,000 visitors yearly and earned him India's fourth-highest civilian honor.

The Better India2 min read
Dholak Player Wins India's Padma Shri After Voter Mix-Up
Community HeroesJan 29

Dholak Player Wins India's Padma Shri After Voter Mix-Up

A master dholak player in Gujarat went from having his voter registration questioned to being honored by India's Chief Minister in just 15 days. Mir Haji Kasam's dramatic turnaround came after receiving one of India's highest civilian honors. #

Indian Express2 min read
Five Gujarat Artists and Humanitarians Earn Padma Shri
Community HeroesJan 26

Five Gujarat Artists and Humanitarians Earn Padma Shri

India honors five changemakers from Gujarat with the prestigious Padma Shri award for preserving ancient arts and saving lives through organ donation. Their combined century of service shows how dedication to craft and community creates lasting impact.

Indian Express2 min read
Kashmir Professor Honored for Preserving Local Language
Community HeroesJan 26

Kashmir Professor Honored for Preserving Local Language

A retired Kashmir University professor who dedicated his life to creating a comprehensive Kashmiri dictionary just received one of India's highest civilian honors. Mohammad Shafi Shauq's work ensures a rich local language won't be lost to future generations.

Indian Express2 min read
Kashmir Professor Completes 1,400-Page Dictionary at 75
Community HeroesJan 26

Kashmir Professor Completes 1,400-Page Dictionary at 75

A 75-year-old linguist from rural Kashmir just received India's Padma Shri award for creating a comprehensive dictionary that preserves his native language. Mohammad Shafi Shauq spent years after retirement ensuring future generations can read, write, and understand Kashmiri.

Indian Express2 min read
11 West Bengal Icons Win Padma Shri 2026
Acts of KindnessJan 26

11 West Bengal Icons Win Padma Shri 2026

West Bengal celebrates as 11 of its most accomplished citizens receive India's fourth-highest civilian honor for their contributions to arts, science, and culture. From a legendary actor with 350 films to a weaver preserving ancient textile traditions, these honorees represent the best of human dedication and excellence.

Indian Express2 min read
India Awards 45 Unsung Heroes Who Changed Thousands of Lives
Community HeroesJan 26

India Awards 45 Unsung Heroes Who Changed Thousands of Lives

An 88-year-old retired police officer cleaning streets by bicycle, a bus conductor who built a 2-million-book free library, and a woman who opened schools in conflict zones are among 45 everyday heroes receiving India's prestigious Padma Shri awards. These aren't politicians or celebrities—they're ordinary people who did extraordinary things.

Indian Express3 min read
Georgia Coach Gets Padma Shri for India Wrestling Legacy
Community HeroesJan 25

Georgia Coach Gets Padma Shri for India Wrestling Legacy

Vladimir Mestvirishvili, the Georgian coach who spent 20 years mentoring India's Olympic wrestling medalists, received a posthumous Padma Shri award this week. The wrestlers he shaped into champions called him a father figure who cared as much about their wellbeing as their medals.

Indian Express2 min read
Two Rajasthani Folk Musicians Win National Padma Shri
Global NewsJan 25

Two Rajasthani Folk Musicians Win National Padma Shri

Masters of rare instruments — a "talking drum" and twin bamboo flutes — just earned India's prestigious Padma Shri award. Their decades of dedication are keeping ancient musical traditions alive for the world to hear.

Indian Express2 min read
Padma Shri Surgeon Who Treated Polio Patients Honored
Community HeroesJan 18

Padma Shri Surgeon Who Treated Polio Patients Honored

Dr. S.V. Adinarayana Rao, a celebrated orthopedic surgeon who dedicated his life to treating polio patients, was laid to rest with full state honors in Visakhapatnam. Hundreds gathered to celebrate a medical hero whose compassion changed countless lives.

The Hindu2 min read