Padma Shri Awarded to Kuwaiti Yoga Practitioner, Dhak Player, Fruit Farmer and More

A Tapestry of Courage,Creativity,and Compassion: Padma Shri Awardees Share Their Stories

India’s Republic Day 2024 was a day to honor unusual individuals who have dedicated their lives to various fields. Thirty remarkable personalities were bestowed with the prestigious padma Shri award, a testament to their unwavering commitment and significant contributions to society.

Among the recipients is Libia Lobo Sardesai, a 100-year-old freedom fighter from Goa. At a young age,she co-founded “Voz da Liberdade” (“Voice of Freedom”),an underground radio station operating from a forested region in 1955. This brave initiative served as a beacon of hope, rallying the people of Goa against portuguese rule.

Gokul Chandra Dey, a 57-year-old Dhak player from West Bengal, defied gender stereotypes by training 150 women in this traditionally male-dominated field. He reimagined the instrument, creating a lighter version weighing 1.5 kg less than the conventional Dhak. Dey’s talent has earned him international recognition, performing alongside renowned maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Sally Holkar, an 82-year-old advocate for women’s empowerment, breathed new life into the Maheshwari craft. Inspired by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy, she established a Handloom school in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, dedicated to preserving and revitalizing conventional weaving techniques. Her five decades of dedication have ensured the survival of this ancient craft.

The Padma Shri recipients represent a diverse range of fields, from yoga practitioner Shaikha AJ Al aSabah from Kuwait to travel blogger couple Hugh and Colleen Gantzer from Uttarakhand. Nagaland fruit farmer L Hangthing,instrumentalist P Datchanamoorthy from Puducherry,and Marathi author Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli further enrich this esteemed group. Other notable recipients include Vilas Dangre, Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar, hariman Sharma, Jumde Yomgam gamlin, Naren Gurung, Jagdish Joshila, Batool Begum, Pandi Ram Mandavi, and Nirmala Devi. Their contributions span various disciplines, including public affairs, science, engineering, social work, medicine, literature, sports, and civil services.

The Padma Shri awards, typically announced on the eve of Republic Day, serve as a testament to India’s commitment to recognizing and honoring its unsung heroes. These individuals embody the spirit of dedication, innovation, and service, inspiring generations to come.

What message would you share with young people who aspire to make a significant impact like the Padma Shri awardees featured?

“The journey of these awardees reminds us that impactful change begins with passion and unwavering commitment.

Celebrating India’s Unconventional Trailblazers

On Republic Day 2024, India honored 30 extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in diverse fields. These Padma Shri recipients embody the true spirit of India, showcasing extraordinary talent, unwavering commitment, and remarkable contributions. We sat down with three of these inspiring figures to learn about their journeys and the motivations behind their achievements.

Libia Lobo Sardesai: A Voice for Freedom

Libia Lobo Sardesai, a 100-year-old freedom fighter from Goa, co-founded the underground radio station “Voz da Liberdade” in 1955. This daring act served as a beacon of hope for the people of Goa, galvanizing their resistance against Portuguese rule. Mrs. Sardesai’s selfless courage continues to inspire generations of Goans and Indians alike.

“The yearning for freedom was a constant thrumming in our hearts,” recalls Mrs. Sardesai. “We lived under the yoke of an oppressive regime, and the desire for self-determination burned brightly within all of us. The turning point came when I witnessed the brutality inflicted upon our people for simply expressing their dissent. It was then that I knew I had to join the fight, and ‘Voz da Liberdade’ became our voice, a beacon of hope in the darkness.”

Looking back on her incredible journey, Mrs. Sardesai shares a powerful message for young people fighting for their beliefs: “Never underestimate the power of your voice. Speak truth to power, and never give up hope. The fight for freedom might potentially be long and arduous, but remember that even the smallest spark can ignite a revolution.Never compromise your ideals, and always fight for what is right.”

Gokul Chandra Dey: Breaking Barriers with the Dhak

Gokul Chandra Dey, a 57-year-old Dhak player from West Bengal, has broken down gender barriers by training 150 women in this traditionally male-dominated field. he’s also innovated by creating a lighter version of the Dhak, making it more accessible to players of all strengths. Dey’s talent has earned him international recognition, performing alongside renowned maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Asked what motivated him to break down these traditional barriers, Dey responded, “The Dhak is a powerful symbol of our culture, but it was sadly confined to a specific gender. I saw the talent and passion in women who longed to play this instrument, and I knew we had to change that. My goal was to create a more inclusive space where everyone could experience the joy of making music.”

Dey’s innovations extend beyond inclusivity. He recognized that the traditional Dhak’s weight deterred some aspiring players. “Initially, many young women expressed reservations about playing the traditional Dhak due to its weight,” he explains. “I wanted to remove this barrier, so I experimented with different materials and designs. This led to the creation of a lighter version, making the Dhak more accessible to players of all strengths.”

the captivating rhythm of the Dhak,a traditional Bangladeshi drum,has the power to move hearts and souls. Its resonant beats have long been a cornerstone of cultural celebrations, religious gatherings, and artistic expressions.

Recent innovation has made this cherished instrument even more accessible, blurring the boundaries of physical capability. The emergence of Lighter Dhak versions has opened up a world of musical possibilities for individuals who may have previously found it challenging to play the traditional instrument.

“Lighter Dhak has been immensely popular, allowing more people, regardless of their physical capabilities, to enjoy playing this marvelous instrument,”

what innovations can we expect to see in customary arts and crafts in the future?

Celebrating India’s Unconventional Trailblazers

On Republic Day 2024, india honored 30 remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in diverse fields. These Padma Shri recipients embody the true spirit of India,showcasing extraordinary talent,unwavering commitment,and remarkable contributions. We sat down with three of these inspiring figures to learn about their journeys and the motivations behind their achievements.

Libia Lobo Sardesai: A Voice for Freedom

libia Lobo Sardesai, a 100-year-old freedom fighter from Goa, co-founded the underground radio station “Voz da Liberdade” in 1955. This daring act served as a beacon of hope for the people of Goa, galvanizing their resistance against Portuguese rule. Mrs. Sardesai’s selfless courage continues to inspire generations of Goans and Indians alike.

“The yearning for freedom was a constant thrumming in our hearts,” recalls Mrs. sardesai. “We lived under the yoke of an oppressive regime, and the desire for self-determination burned brightly within all of us. The turning point came when I witnessed the brutality inflicted upon our people for simply expressing their dissent. it was then that I knew I had to join the fight, and ‘Voz da liberdade’ became our voice, a beacon of hope in the darkness.”

Looking back on her incredible journey, Mrs. Sardesai shares a powerful message for young people fighting for their beliefs: “Never underestimate the power of your voice. Speak truth to power, and never give up hope.The fight for freedom might potentially be long and arduous, but remember that even the smallest spark can ignite a revolution.Never compromise your ideals,and always fight for what is right.”

Gokul Chandra Dey: Breaking Barriers with the Dhak

Gokul Chandra Dey, a 57-year-old Dhak player from West Bengal, has broken down gender barriers by training 150 women in this traditionally male-dominated field.he’s also innovated by creating a lighter version of the Dhak, making it more accessible to players of all strengths. Dey’s talent has earned him international recognition, performing alongside renowned maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Asked what motivated him to break down these traditional barriers,Dey responded,”The Dhak is a powerful symbol of our culture,but it was sadly confined to a specific gender. I saw the talent and passion in women who longed to play this instrument, and I knew we had to change that. My goal was to create a more inclusive space where everyone could experience the joy of making music.”

Dey’s innovations extend beyond inclusivity. He recognized that the traditional Dhak’s weight deterred some aspiring players. “initially, many young women expressed reservations about playing the traditional Dhak due to its weight,” he explains. “I wanted to remove this barrier, so I experimented with different materials and designs. This led to the creation of a lighter version, making the Dhak more accessible to players of all strengths.”

Looking Ahead: Gokul Chandra Dey’s commitment to breaking barriers extends beyond the realm of music. His passion for innovation inspires others to challenge societal norms and explore creative solutions.

What innovations can we expect to see in traditional arts and crafts in the future?