Padma Shri 2024: Bengal's Cultural Icons and Unsung Heroes Honored
The Government of India, on the eve of Republic Day, announced the prestigious Padma Awards for 2024. From the culturally rich state of West Bengal, eleven distinguished individuals have been selected to receive the Padma Shri, the nation's fourth-highest civilian honor. Notably, no names from Bengal featured in the higher categories of Padma Vibhushan or Padma Bhushan this year, making the Padma Shri recognition particularly significant for the state's artistic and social contributors.
Celebrated Artists Express Gratitude and Dedication
Among the prominent recipients is veteran actor Prosenjit Chatterjee, who has graced the screen in over 400 films. Chatterjee dedicated the award to his loyal audience, expressing profound happiness for being recognized primarily for his work in Bengali-language cinema. He extended heartfelt thanks to the government for this honor. Reflecting on his journey, the actor remembered his late mother, Ratna Chatterjee, who passed away in 1998, crediting her blessings for his achievements. He also mentioned that his dear friend, the late filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh, would have been delighted. Chatterjee acknowledged the collective efforts of his directors, co-actors, and technicians in making this milestone possible.
Renowned tabla maestro Pt Kumar Bose, born in Kolkata in 1953, received his initial rhythm lessons from his father, Biswanath Bose. Upon receiving the Padma Shri, Bose humbly noted that many deserving artists from Bengal merit such recognition and expressed hope that they too would be honored by the government in the future.
Esteemed santoor player Pt Tarun Bhattacharya, born in Howrah in 1957 and a disciple of the legendary Pt Ravi Shankar, shared his philosophy of focusing on perfecting his instrument rather than pursuing awards. He expressed joy that the award committee recognized his 64 years of dedicated sadhana (spiritual practice), highlighting his role as a key exponent of the Maihar gharana.
Unsung Heroes: Recognizing Grassroots Contributions
The list of Padma Shri awardees from Bengal also includes six unsung heroes whose remarkable work has impacted society at the grassroots level. These individuals are:
- Ashok Kumar Haldar
- Gambhir Singh Yonzone
- Jyotish Debnath
- Mahendra Nath Roy
- Tripti Mukherjee
- Hari Madhab Mukhopadhyay (posthumous)
Octogenarian plant and environmental scientist Gambhir Singh Yonzone expressed delight that his decades of work in public education, environmental conservation, and social service, with a focus on uplifting backward and remote regions of the Darjeeling Hills, received national recognition.
Mahendra Nath Roy, a chemistry professor at North Bengal University and the founding Vice-Chancellor of Alipurduar University, was honored for his contributions to education.
Jyotish Debnath, 64, from Kalna, a master of khadi jamdani weaving with a 47-year career, simply stated, "I am very happy," reflecting the humility of artisans dedicated to preserving traditional crafts.
Entrepreneur and handicraft exponent Tripti Mukherjee, born and raised in Suri, shared her journey of establishing a training center that empowers women from marginalized families to achieve financial stability. She recalled a memorable interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi last year, which she described as a significant moment in her advocacy work.
Additional Honorees: Literature and Medicine
Other notable recipients include Rabilal Tudu, a 77-year-old writer from Kalna, recognized for his book Parsi Khatir, which explores Santhali drama in the Santali language. This award underscores the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous literary traditions.
In the field of medicine, Saroj Mandal, a cardiologist based in Kolkata, was honored for her contributions to healthcare, highlighting the diverse sectors represented among Bengal's Padma Shri awardees.
The announcement of these awards not only celebrates individual achievements but also shines a light on Bengal's rich cultural heritage and social fabric. As the nation prepares for Republic Day, these recognitions serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of excellence and service that defines India's civilian honors.
