Padma Shri 2026: Meet 7 Heroes Revolutionizing Healthcare, Environment, Culture & Society

• Dr. Armida Fernandez (Maharashtra) established India's first Human Milk Bank and works for maternal-child health through NGO SNEHA.
• Jogesh Deuri (Assam) revitalized 'Muga Silk' conservation, boosting rural incomes and gaining global recognition for Assamese silk.
• Kollakkayil Devaki Amma (Kerala) transformed 5 acres into a forest of medicinal plants, showcasing a unique environmental conservation model.
• Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala (Gujarat) spearheaded organ donation through 'Donate Life', making it a mass movement and saving thousands of lives.
• Padma Gurmet (Ladakh) preserves Buddhist art and Ladakhi culture through sculpting, teaching traditional skills to new generations.
• Sushalamma (Karnataka) empowers women and rural development via 'Sumangali Sevashram', providing shelter, education, and skill training.
• Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra (Odisha) documents and preserves endangered tribal languages and folk tales, promoting mother-tongue education.

Why It Matters: Seven inspiring individuals from across India are honored with Padma Shri 2026 for their profound societal contributions.