Padma Awardees Changing Lives: 10 Unsung Heroes of Social Service

20/03/25

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The Padma Awards recognise Great social workers in India who have made significant contributions to society. They honour people from diverse fields, including social service, public welfare, education, and environmental conservation,

Many of these awardees are among the famous social workers in India whose selfless service has uplifted countless communities. Here are ten such Padma awardees whose work in social service has had a lasting impact.

1. Baba Balia, spiritual reformer

Baba Balia has dedicated his life to widow welfare, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection in Odisha. His work extends across Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara, where he has implemented initiatives that uplift vulnerable communities. Through his efforts, widows have gained economic independence, and environmental conservation has been promoted. Baba Balia is also a proponent of Odia art, literature, and culture. His contributions have helped in preserving regional traditions, ensuring that they remain relevant for future generations.

2. Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan, agri-innovator

Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan is known for his work in agriculture and food security. As the former Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), he has played a vital role in improving farming techniques, increasing crop yields, and enhancing farmer incomes. His work has directly benefited farmers, particularly in regions where agricultural challenges persist. Currently serving as the Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Manipur, Dr. Ayyappan continues to guide research and policy in the field of agriculture.

3. Madhuri Barthwal, reviver of Garhwali folk music

Madhuri Barthwal is acknowledged for her role in reviving and preserving Garhwali folk music. As the first female Garhwali music teacher, she has helped sustain traditional art forms while making them accessible to younger generations. She has also been instrumental in training women in folk music, enabling them to develop artistic skills and find opportunities in cultural preservation. Her book Raag Raganiya in Garhwali Folk Songs is considered a significant contribution to Indian classical and folk music studies. Through her work, Madhuri Barthwal has ensured that Garhwali folk traditions continue to thrive.

4. Acharya Chandanaji, community leader

Acharya Chandanaji has spent decades in social work and community service, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. She began her work in Bihar, organising free eye camps for those with cataract-related ailments. Over the years, her contributions have expanded to gender equality and environmental conservation. As the leader of Veerayatan, a spiritual and humanitarian organization, she has guided various initiatives that serve underprivileged communities.

5. Om Prakash ‘Gandhi’, crusader for girls’ education

Om Prakash, often referred to as ‘Gandhi’ for his simple lifestyle and dedication to social service, has worked tirelessly for women’s education and empowerment. His organisation, Kanya Vidhya Pracharni Sabha, has been instrumental in providing education to girls in Haryana, where traditional barriers have often limited educational access. He has created a space where thousands of girls have been educated over the years.

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6. KV Rabiya, championing literacy and disability rights

Despite being confined to a wheelchair since the age of 14, KV Rabiya has played a major role in Kerala’s literacy campaign in the 1990s, inspiring thousands of elderly and disabled individuals to embrace education. Through her NGO, Chalanam (Movement), she has provided vocational training, educational resources, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. She has actively worked towards making education more inclusive.

7. Swami Sivananda, advocating for yoga and well being

Swami Sivananda has dedicated over 50 years to the service of people suffering from leprosy. He has provided them with food, clothing, medical aid, and rehabilitation support. His advocacy for yoga and holistic well-being has earned him immense respect among his followers. His work promoting Covid-19 vaccination awareness further highlights his commitment to public health and community welfare.

8. Kali Pada Saren, empowering the santhal community through literature

Kali Pada Saren, also known as Kherwal Saren, has used literature and drama to uplift the Santhal tribal community. He has tackled issues such as illiteracy, social prejudices, and economic disparity through his plays and educational programmes. His work has led to greater educational awareness within the Santhal community. He also runs several NGOs dedicated to social welfare.

9. Prem Singh, dedicated to leprosy rehabilitation

For nearly three decades, Prem Singh has been a strong advocate for leprosy patients. As the founder of Leprosy Welfare Mission, Chandigarh, and Leprosy Elimination Society, Mohali, he has worked towards medical care, rehabilitation, and social integration for affected individuals. He has rehabilitated over 1,000 patients and cured many more.

10. Sosamma Iype, Saving the Vechur cow breed

Professor Sosamma Iype has dedicated her life to conserving the indigenous Vechur cow breed. These cows, known for their resilience and low maintenance needs, were on the brink of extinction when she stepped in to revive their population. Through her work at Kerala Agricultural University, she has encouraged Kerala farmers to rear Vechur cows, ensuring economic and nutritional benefits for their families.

These ten Padma awardees represent the spirit of selfless service and dedication that inspires the work of India’s development sector, including its child protection NGO ecosystem. The contributions of these people – duly recognised as the great social workers in India – in education, social reform, healthcare, environmental conservation, and disability rights have changed lives across India.

Inspired by India’s commitment to development and purpose, as demonstrated by the top 10 social workers in India, Bal Raksha Bharat, a leading child NGO in India, works to improve children’s lives in India through education, healthcare, protection, and emergency aid. This child protection NGO helps children access schooling, prevents child labor and early marriage, and provides healthcare support. In crises, it delivers food, shelter, and medical aid. The organisation also advocates for policies that support child welfare.

Anikait Suri