Chandigarh Region's Luminaries Honored with Prestigious Padma Shri Awards on Republic Day
In a momentous celebration of excellence, four distinguished individuals from the Chandigarh region have been conferred with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, on the occasion of Republic Day. These trailblazers, spanning diverse fields from spirituality to sports and agriculture, have left an indelible mark on society through their lifelong dedication and visionary work.
Sant Niranjan Dass: A Spiritual Beacon Championing 'Begampura'
Sant Niranjan Dass, the revered head of Dera Sachkhand Ballan, stands as a towering spiritual figure for the Ravidasia and Ad-dharmi communities. With over 75 years of spiritual leadership, he has been instrumental in promoting the ideal of Begampura—a visionary concept of a 'land without sorrow' where all individuals live free from fear and poverty.
His philanthropic endeavors are equally noteworthy. Sant Niranjan Dass established the Sarwan Dass Charitable Eye Hospital and Sarwan Dass Model School, institutions that have provided critical healthcare and education to countless individuals. This recognition arrives as political efforts intensify to engage with Scheduled Caste voters, highlighting Dera Ballan's significant influence among the Ravidasia diaspora both domestically and internationally.
Khem Raj Sundriyal: The Artisan Who Wove Panipat into a Global Hub
At 84 years young, Khem Raj Sundriyal remains a cornerstone of India's handloom heritage. Originally hailing from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, he migrated to Panipat over six decades ago. After refining his craft through specialized training in Kashmir, Sundriyal dedicated his life to preserving and propagating traditional weaving skills.
His legacy is monumental: he has personally trained more than 10,000 weavers, empowering them with artisanal expertise. Widely credited as the pioneer behind Panipat's metamorphosis, Sundriyal's efforts transformed this small town into a globally recognized export hub for handlooms and rugs, bolstering India's cultural and economic footprint on the world stage.
Baldev Singh: The Architect of Women's Hockey Dominance
Baldev Singh, a Dronacharya awardee and legendary coach, is the visionary force behind the rise of women's hockey in Shahabad, Haryana. As a strict disciplinarian with an unwavering commitment, he turned the Shahabad Markanda training centre into a national powerhouse, nurturing talent from the grassroots.
Under his mentorship, the centre has produced over 100 international players, including former captain Rani Rampal. Singh's dedication extended beyond coaching; he often personally funded the training of underprivileged athletes, ensuring that financial barriers did not hinder potential. Among his many protégés is Savita Punia, also a Padma Shri awardee, who debuted in 2009 and has since become a mainstay of the Indian national team. Known as 'The Great Wall of India' for her heroic performances, particularly during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Savita exemplifies the excellence fostered by Singh's coaching philosophy.
Dr Prem Lal Gautam: Guardian of Agricultural Biodiversity
Dr Prem Lal Gautam, a distinguished agricultural scientist from Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is celebrated for his pioneering work in crop variety improvement and biodiversity conservation. An alumnus of Himachal Agriculture College, Solan, he earned his PhD in genetics from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi.
Dr Gautam's career is marked by the development and enhancement of 12 critical crop varieties, including bread wheat, foxtail millet, soybean, and buckwheat. His contributions to augmenting plant germplasm for the National Gene Bank and his role in shaping the National Policy Action Plan on Agrobiodiversity have been instrumental in safeguarding India's agricultural heritage. Currently, he continues his service at Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University in Bihar, advancing sustainable farming practices.
These Padma Shri awardees from the Chandigarh region embody the spirit of innovation, perseverance, and service. Their stories inspire a nation, showcasing how individual passion can catalyze transformative change across communities and industries.
