The Padma Shri is India's fourth-highest civilian award. This year, it was awarded to several exceptional women for their incredible work. From a centenarian organic farmer in rural Tamil Nadu and an environmentalist from the Halakki tribe of Karnataka, to a transgender folk dancer and women reviving ancient embroidery forms—the awards showcased their skills and scope of work.
Tulsi Gowda is an environmentalist from Karnataka's Halakki tribe. who revere her as the "tree goddess" due to her extensive knowledge of the forest. Her conservation efforts and botanical knowledge include planting, and caring for, nearly 100,000 trees. Her activities have helped to improve community reserves, tiger reserves, conservation areas, and wildlife sanctuaries.
There's Chikankari, and then there's Anokhi Chikankari. Naseem Bano, from Lucknow's Thakurganj region, is a well-known expert in this embroidery art form which is unique because the stitches are invisible on the reverse side of the fabric. Bano has played a significant role in empowering more than 5,000 women by providing training in Anokhi Chikankari and promoting self-reliance.
Matha B Manjamma Jogati is a stage actress, singer, and dancer who specialises in Jogathi Nritya, a traditional folk dance performed by a group of women known as jogappas. Despite living in dire poverty, she mastered this unique art form and has performed extensively throughout the state. Manjamma also holds the distinction of being the first transgender president of the Karnataka Jaanapada Academy, a prestigious government organisation that promotes performing arts in Karnataka. In fact, she has made history as the first trans woman to lead a cultural academy anywhere in Karnataka.
Pappammal, an organic farmer from Thekkampatti in Coimbatore district, is known for encouraging women in agriculture. The centenarian has played a significant role in integrating women into agricultural extension projects. Her award is important because, even though women account for over 80% of farm work in India, farming is still a male-dominated area. They are also denied the right to own land.
Parbati Barua, an animal conservation activist and a mahout from Assam, famous for her work towards promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants. She is credited for implementing scientific practices to reduce human-elephant conflict. You may have seen her in the renowned BBC documentary "Queen of the Elephants". She has also been a member of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group in IUCN.
Takdira Begum, a prominent artist from Bolpur, Birbhum, is well-known for her excellent Nakshi Kantha work. This embroidery art form is an age-old Bengali tradition that she has dedicated her life to restoring. Her contribution has played a critical role in promoting the resurgence of this art form. The term 'nakshi' comes from the word 'naksha,' which signifies innovative design. This exquisite art form necessitates a tremendous amount of time, ability, and patience to create.
