Eight Gujaratis have figured on the long list of Padma awardees declared by the government on January 25, a day prior to the Republic Day. Spiritual guru Ratna Sundar Maharaj will be conferred the Padma Bhushan, while the other six bagged Padma Shris. They include a disabled farmer, two doctors, and a veteran music director.
Padma Bhushan awardee, Shri Ratna Sundar Maharaj, 70, is widely known for his spiritual sermons and books written to uplift the society. He has penned over 300 books and was awarded the Golden Book of World Records for writing over 275 books in a single language. His most acclaimed book remains the 'Lakhi Rakho Aaras Ni Takhti Par'- a parental guide which was translated in 20 different languages.
Dr Subroto Das, Padma Shri winner, established a highway accident helpline after surviving a serious highway accident in 2002. Gujarat's first Emergency Medical Service was catalysed in different countries like Sri Lanka. Another doctor on the list is Dr Devendra Patel, an 84 year old surgical oncologist who has contributed immensely in the field of cancer surgery in Gujarat. On hearing the news, he said, "I have received many awards including the Dr BC Roy Award but getting national recognition in form of Padma Shri is a matter of pride." He was director of Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute from 1993 to 2002.
Physically challenged Genabhai Patel is a farmer from Sarkari Goliya village near Banaskantha. He has been conferred the Padma Shri for transforming drought-affected land into profitable pomegranate farms, a task he single-handedly took up. His contribution is vital in turning the border district into one of the largest producers of the fruit, including exports to the Middle East.
Journalist Vishnu Pandya who was jailed for a year during the Emergency, is known for his active participation in Education, Literature, and Journalism. He has spent over 50 years in the media sector and believes his Padma Shri will "increase Gujarat's pride". Purshottam Upadhyay, 83, has given a notable contribution to the music industry, composing pieces for stalwarts like Begum Alhtar and Mohammed Rafi. A proud Gujarati, he said, "The award is the result of my 40 years of perseverance in the field of classical music."
Founder of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, VG Patel has been awarded the Padma Shri for pioneering work in the field of startups in 1970s. Patel who currently works with a consumer education organisation, says he was nominated for the Padma awards thrice in the past. "I had expected the award a decade ago when I was the director of EDII and was also working with the World Bank and other globally renowned financial organisations," he said. Also awarded the Padma Shri this year is US-based well known entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader, Hasmukh Shah. He is the chairman and CEO of TV Asia, and chairman of Bharti Vidyabhavan which promotes Hindi and Indian culture.
