Padma Awards 2024: A Tribute to India's Hinterland Talents Across 84 Districts
In a significant move that continues its tradition of shifting the spotlight from metropolitan centers to the heartland, the Modi government has announced the Padma Awards 2024, honoring individuals from an impressive 84 districts spread across 30 states and union territories. This year's selection underscores a deliberate effort to recognize achievements in a wide spectrum of fields, with a particular emphasis on unsung heroes from remote and often overlooked regions.
Historic Firsts and Regional Diversity in Award Distribution
Officials have highlighted a remarkable milestone: ten districts have been included in the Padma Awards list for the first time since India's Independence. This historic inclusion reflects the government's commitment to unearthing talent from every corner of the nation. The awards showcase a diverse regional spread, with Maharashtra leading with 15 awardees, including renowned actors like Dharmendra and R. Madhavan, followed closely by Tamil Nadu with 13, and West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh with 11 each.
States such as Karnataka and Kerala have eight awardees each, featuring notable figures like Vellappally Natesan, a functionary of the SNDP organization in Kerala. The selection comes at a politically sensitive time, with Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala heading for assembly polls, though official sources emphasize that the government has consistently aimed for broad regional representation annually.
Celebrating Unsung Heroes and Their Contributions
Among the distinguished awardees are individuals who have made profound impacts in their respective fields. Taga Ram Bheel has been recognized for his efforts in reviving Rajasthan's fading folk instrument, the Algoza, while Hally War, an environmentalist from Meghalaya, has been honored for her conservation work. The list also includes former Indian tennis star Vijay Amritraj, based in the US, who is among the six Padma Bhushan awardees under the foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category.
Other notable recipients include:
- K. Vijay Kumar, a former IPS officer associated with the operation against sandalwood smuggler Veerappan.
- Armind Fernandez, who established Asia's first human milk bank.
- Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati.
- Savita Punia, a prominent hockey player.
Political Figures and Controversial Inclusions
The awards also extend to political personalities from various backgrounds. BJP leaders Bhagat Singh Kosher and the late V. K. Malhotra have been honored, alongside non-BJP veterans such as Achuthanandhan, a former Kerala Chief Minister, and Soren, joining earlier recipients like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan. In a notable inclusion, R. V. Mani, a former Ministry of Home Affairs functionary, has received the Padma Shri. Mani had protested against changes in an affidavit related to the Ishrat Jehan encounter case and alleged pressure from the UPA government in his book, Hindu Terror: Insider account of Ministry of Home Affairs 2006-2010.
Rigorous Selection Process and Inclusivity
Officials revealed that the selection process was exhaustive, with over 39,000 nominations received and evaluated through multiple rounds of scrutiny. Consultations were held with ministries, state administrations, and domain experts to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment. The final list includes 48 super senior citizens aged 80 years and above, as well as many individuals from traditionally deprived sections of society, highlighting the awards' inclusivity and focus on merit across all demographics.
This year's Padma Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reinforce the government's vision of a unified and diverse India, where talent from every district and community is acknowledged and honored on a national platform.
