In a momentous achievement for the state of Maharashtra, 12 luminaries were adorned with the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards – the third and fourth highest civilian honours respectively, during the Republic Day 2024 celebrations.
The Hon’ble President of India announced a total of 132 awards, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and a whopping 110 Padma Shri recognitions.
The Padma Bhushan recipients-
The prestigious Padma Bhushan recipients include the venerable Hormusji N. Cama, the visionary director of the 202-year-old ‘Mumbai Samachar’ group, where historic leaders once gathered during the Indian Independence movement. Cardiologist Dr. Ashwin B. Mehta, a pioneer in interventional cardiology, joins the esteemed list, having conducted over 110,000 heart operations. The list also features the indomitable 90-year-old politician Ram Naik, an iconic figure in Mumbai with six decades of service to the nation.
The legendary music director Pyarelal Sharma, 84, part of the iconic Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo, and the distinguished Gujarati journalist Kundan Vyas, 83, editor of the esteemed Janmabhoomi Group of newspapers, complete the illustrious lineup of Padma Bhushan awardees.2
The Padma Shri recipients-
Meanwhile, the Padma Shri awardees from Maharashtra are no less remarkable. Uday V. Deshpande, a 70-year-old coach of the traditional Indian sport ‘Mallakhamb’, has trained enthusiasts in India and over 50 countries. Dr. Manohar K. Dole, a 96-year-old physician, stands out for his selfless service, having performed over 170,000 free eye surgeries for the needy.
Dr. Zahir Ishaque Kazi, the President of the prestigious Anjuman-I-Islam, and Dr. Chandrashekhar M. Meshram, a renowned neurologist from Nagpur, also find their names on the distinguished list of Padma Shri recipients. Shankar Baba Pundlikrao Papalkar, an inspirational figure from Amravati, is recognised for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of mentally challenged children.
The only woman awardee from the state, Kalpana Morparia, a 75-year-old banker from Mumbai, adds to the glory. Having served with ICICI Bank for three decades and as the CEO of the South & Southeast Asia branch of JPMorgan, she has been ranked among the world’s 50 most powerful women in international business by Fortune magazine.
These twelve luminaries from Maharashtra have not only brought accolades to the state but also exemplify the diverse talent that continue to make Maharashtra a beacon of excellence in various fields.
