Padma Shri 2024 Honors Maharashtra's Grassroots Champions
The prestigious Padma Shri awards, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, were announced on Sunday, recognizing exceptional contributions across various fields. This year's list includes two distinguished achievers from Maharashtra whose remarkable journeys embody perseverance, innovation, and profound social impact.
Shrirang Lad: The Cotton Scientist Transforming Agriculture
An 80-year-old farmer and leader from Malsona village in Parbhani district, Shrirang Lad has been conferred the Padma Shri for his outstanding contributions to cotton research. Hailing from a humble farming background, Lad has dedicated over four decades to experimenting in his fields, developing innovative techniques that have directly benefited thousands of farmers across the Marathwada region.
Affectionately known as 'Dada' among cultivators, Lad created a comprehensive scientific package for cotton cultivation. His methods include pruning, topping, high-density planting, drip irrigation, and mulching. These practical innovations have significantly reduced production costs, increased yields, and stabilized farm incomes in a region historically prone to agricultural distress.
"I am happy with the honor bestowed upon me," Lad told media. "It will help spread awareness about the technology of cotton cultivation. I hope people will benefit from my work and unfortunate incidents like farmer suicides will be prevented."
Beyond his agricultural work, Lad has been an active RSS volunteer since 1970 and currently serves as the organizational head of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh in Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat. His academic contributions to agriculture were recently recognized by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani, which conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree upon him.
Ashok Khade: From Poverty to Industrial Leadership
Entrepreneur Ashok Khade received the Padma Shri in the industry and trade category for building a globally competitive industrial enterprise from extremely modest beginnings. Born into a Dalit family in Ped village of Tasgaon tehsil in Sangli district, Khade grew up in acute poverty, with his mother working as a daily wage laborer to feed her six children.
Today, Khade heads a diversified industrial group specializing in undersea oil and gas transportation platforms and has expanded into shipbuilding. His company currently employs approximately 4,000 workers, creating substantial employment opportunities.
Khade dedicated his award to his mother and family, stating, "My contribution is minuscule. It is because of my mother and my brothers that I am who I am. I believe the award also represents the journey of a Dalit who rose despite discrimination and will inspire many from non-privileged backgrounds to become entrepreneurs."
Additional Recognition for Social Service
The Padma Shri awards also recognized Ramchandra Godbole and his wife Sunita Godbole (Puranik), dedicated workers of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram serving in Chhattisgarh. Born and educated in Satara and Pune respectively, the couple has devoted 35 years to bringing tribal communities into the mainstream through various initiatives.
Their work encompasses:
- Medical care and health services
- Educational programs and student hostels
- Prevention of child malnutrition
- Women's awareness and empowerment
- Community organization and development
The Godboles have been actively involved in social service since their student years, demonstrating lifelong commitment to tribal welfare and national integration.
These Padma Shri recipients from Maharashtra exemplify how dedication, innovation, and social commitment can create lasting impact at both grassroots and national levels. Their stories serve as powerful inspiration for aspiring changemakers across India.
