BENGALURU: The prestigious Padma awards list announced on Sunday features eight remarkable individuals from Karnataka, celebrating exceptional contributions across diverse domains including classical scholarship, grassroots social work, laboratory science, medicine, education, and industry. The recognition comprises one Padma Bhushan and seven Padma Shri awards, honouring careers built quietly over decades, deeply rooted in institutions, neighbourhoods, and traditions.
Shatavadhani R Ganesh: A Beacon of Classical Scholarship
Shatavadhani R Ganesh has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan in the art category. A distinguished Sanskrit scholar and polyglot, Ganesh, aged 63, stands among India's foremost exponents of Avadhana, an ancient Indian literary and cognitive performance art that rigorously tests memory, concentration, and poetic imagination simultaneously.
In the intricate practice of Avadhana, multiple scholars pose questions at once, and the Avadhani responds by composing poetry extempore while strictly adhering to rules of metre, language, and theme. Born in 1962 in Kolar, Ganesh's academic journey is impressively diverse, holding degrees in mechanical engineering, metallurgy from the Indian Institute of Science, Sanskrit, and a doctor of literature in Kannada from Hampi University, where his research focused on avadhana theory and practice.
Fluent in Kannada, Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, and Prakrit, Ganesh has performed over 1,300 Avadhanas, including the demanding Shatavadhana with a hundred participants. As a prolific author and speaker, he continues to interpret classical literary traditions for contemporary audiences, bridging ancient wisdom with modern appreciation.
Shubha Iyengar: A Pioneer in Science and Engineering
Shubha V Iyengar receives the Padma Shri in science and engineering, honouring a career that mirrors India's post-independence scientific journey. At 71, the former scientist at CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories joined NAL in 1974 after securing first rank in both her BSc (honours) in physics and MSc degrees from Central College.
Iyengar attributes her interest in science to her father, who strongly believed in women pursuing higher studies and encouraged her to complete a PhD. Despite losing him during her MSc studies, she carried his wish forward, supported by her family, which she describes as her backbone. Her career includes landmark contributions, most notably the development of Drishti, a system now deployed at Indian airports and by the Indian Air Force, significantly enhancing aviation safety and operations.
Calling the award recognition "for everything put together - science, engineering and service to the nation", Iyengar remains professionally active post-retirement, continuing to inspire future generations in STEM fields.
SG Susheelamma: A Pillar of Social Work
SG Susheelamma, fondly known as 'Amma', has been awarded the Padma Shri for social work. At 86, she founded Sumangali Seva Ashrama in 1975 to support destitute women, orphaned children, and economically weaker communities. Located in Cholanayakanahalli near Hebbal, the ashrama now houses about 110 residents, including 70 children and 40 elderly individuals.
Over five decades, Susheelamma estimates her work has positively impacted more than 30 lakh lives through initiatives in housing for slum dwellers, education, healthcare, and employment. The ashrama runs adult literacy programmes, vocational training for women, and regular health camps. She also established the Basavananda Higher Primary School, providing free education to around 250 students.
Currently focusing on the holistic development of tribal communities in Magadi and Bandipur, she has launched initiatives to provide autorickshaws and training to tribal women, empowering them to earn a sustainable livelihood. The Padma Shri, she says, has only strengthened her resolve to continue her noble mission.
Shashi Shekhar Vempati: Bridging Technology and Education
Shashi Shekhar Vempati receives the Padma Shri in literature and education. A technocrat and strategic advisor with two decades of experience across technology, media, and public policy, Vempati advises organisations and government institutions, playing a key role in shaping India's AI ecosystem.
As a co-founder of the DeepTech for Bharat Foundation, he leads the AI4India initiative and serves on the board of IIT Bombay-incubated BharatGen Technology Foundation, focusing on India's sovereign AI capabilities. He also chairs the Apex Advisory Committee for Science and Technology Communication at the Department of Science and Technology and heads the UGC committee on educational media.
Vempati has held governance and advisory roles across broadcasting and academia, including the Broadcast Audience Research Council. As CEO of Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022, he led reforms to modernise Doordarshan and All India Radio, and headed Rajya Sabha TV. Earlier, he spent 15 years at Infosys. An IIT Bombay alumnus, he is the author of Collective Spirit, Concrete Action, contributing to literature on technology and governance.
These eight awardees from Karnataka exemplify dedication and excellence, showcasing the state's rich contributions to India's cultural, scientific, and social fabric through their lifelong commitments and achievements.
