Padma Awards – one of the country’s highest civilian awards- are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field.
The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
On the eve of 72nd Republic Day, Govt. of India has announced all Padma Awardees for the year 2022. This time from Assam, two famous personalities will confer the highest prestigious civilian award – Padma Shri 2022.
They are –
1. Ms. Shakuntala Choudhary – Social Work
2. Shri Dhaneswar Engti – Literature and Education
Also Read – Padma Award 2021: These nine Assamese Bags the Highest Prestigious Padma Award 2021 – Know who gets honoured
In this post, we will know more about them –
Ms. Shakuntala Choudhary – Social Work
Born: June 25, 1920
Ms Shakuntala Choudhary, popularly known as Shakuntala Baideo, began her social commitment early, participating in social activities during the freedom movement while still in school. In 1947 she joined Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust in Assam.
Several years of devoted service saw her deep involvement in training a large number of gram sevikas. As part of the Sarania Ashram, which Shakuntalaji is associated with, 22 Gram Seva Centres spread over the North East, serving the villagers, especially women and girls. The main activities are Nai Talim, Literacy, Balbadis, Yarn spinning and Weaving (Cotton and Silk Khadi) and Prakritik Chikitsa.
At the age of 101, Shakuntala Choudhary, respectfully known as “Didi”, is one of the senior-most personalities in the Gandhian fraternity of Assam. Even as a student, she was popular taking part in social activities during the Freedom Movement.
Source: Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation
Shri Dhaneswar Engti – Literature and Education
Born: November 1, 1955
Dhaneswar Engti is a renowned writer and lyrist from Karbi Anglong, Assam. He was born on 1 November 1955 in a small village of Palam Engti, Bithilangso (Dengaon). Dhaneswar Engti started his early education at Dengaon and passed his HSLC examination in 1972. He has completed his Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from Diphu Govt. College in English literature in 1978. He completed his Master’s degree (M.A.) in English from Gauhati University in 1981.
Dhaneswar Engti served the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Diphu, as Joint Secretary and was retired on 30th November 2017.
Dhaneswar Engti started writing in 1965 when he entered Merrok Govt. M.E. School, Dengaon. He wrote in Karbi language for publication in the school magazines and Karbi monthly magazines published by different literary organizations from Dengaon and Diphu, respectively. After that, he started writing in the Assamese language in 1971 when he joined Dengaon Govt. Aided High School, Dengaon, for publication in school’s magazines.
He also started writing Karbi modern songs and Karbi chorus songs for presentation in public meetings and cultural functions during school weeks.
Source: Voleng
What are Padma Award and its types
The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order), and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. The nomination process is open to the public, and even self-nomination can be made.