Top 10 social workers in india: inspiring padma awardees

20/03/25

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The Padma Awards recognise exceptional contribution from Indians across different fields like science, art, sports, education, and social work to name a few. The top social workers in India featured in this list are Padma awardees who have made a significant contribution to the society through selfless service uplifting countless communities. Here’s knowing more about them.

Top 10 Famous social workers in india

From Baba Balia to Sosamma Iype, the following Padma awardee social workers in India shine through their relentless contribution to make the world a better place. 

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 underserved 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.

Read Also: 6 Benefits of Volunteering with an NGO You Should Know

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.

Inarguably, the selfless service and dedication of social workers has brought about a radical change for India. Take the child protection NGO ecosystem for instance, where organizations like Bal Raksha Bharat have made a significant impact. As a leading child protection NGO in India, Bal Raksha Bharat is committed to improving children’s lives in India through education, healthcare, protection, emergency aid, and advocates policies that support child welfare.

They also actively encourage children towards schooling, prevent child labor and early marriage, and provide healthcare support. During crises, the NGO delivers food, shelter, and medical aid to children in need.

Challenges Faced by Social Workers in India

Social workers in India often struggle with limited funding, unorganized local support, and emotional fatigue. There are many who have faced safety risks, especially in remote areas, firm resistance from entrenched social practices, and even delays in approvals for welfare linkages. Above everything, the desired impact is never easy to measure, as long-term change takes time. Only strong community trust and steady collaboration with local systems can help reverse the odds.

Conclusion

Whether it’s education for girl child or healthcare, disability inclusion or wildlife conservation, these social worker Padma awardees demonstrate the power of commitment and dedication to a noble cause. If you find any of these stories inspiring, we urge you to come forward and be a part of a great societal change. Come support Bal Raksha Bharat’s child protection programmes. Together, we can make it happen to keep children safe with access to education and healthcare for those who need it the most.

FAQ’s

1. Who are the 5 famous social workers?

The top five famous social workers in India are Baba Balia, Acharya Chandanaji, KV Rabiya, Prem Singh, and Sosamma Iype. Each of them are also Padma awardess known for their unparalleled contribution in the field of education, healthcare, disability rights, rehabilitation, and conservation.

2. Who are the social workers in India?

Social workers in India comprise grassroots community workers, NGO professionals, educators, healthcare volunteers, and other reformers. Together, they fight for burning societal issues like poverty, women’s rights, disability inclusion, child welfare, public health, and environment. While some social workers are nationally recognised, others create impact working at the local level.

3. How can I contribute to social work like these famous social workers in India?

Like social workers in India, you too can make an impact by volunteering for different social events, supporting credible NGOs, contributing monetarily, and advocating for children’s education and safety. At Bal Raksha Bharat, we encourage people to come forward with the best possible contribution to support our child protection programmes.

Gaurav Sharma

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