Page 23 - Mann Ki Baat January, 2023
P. 23
diverse communities, and of all affected areas. Ajay Kumar
geographical regions, but they Mandavi, who is imparting
have also been instrumental in wood carving skills in order
bringing lesser-known cultural to rehabilitate prisoners in
elements into the spotlight. Kanker, and Parshuram Komaji
Individuals – such as Dhaniram Khune, who is using Jhadipatti
Toto who is preserving and Rangbhoomi (theatre) of
promoting the Toto (Dengka) Gadchiroli for social causes
language for decades and including rehabilitation, have
has also developed a script also received this prestigious
for the critically endangered honour for their crucial
language, toymaker C.V. Raju contributions in redirecting
who is retaining and reviving the the misguided youth, and
500-year-old tradition of using in turn, working towards the
sustainable dyes, or 80-year- development of the country.
old santoor craftsman Ghulam The list of awardees is
Muhammad Zaz who is carrying a clear indication that the
on his family tradition in its eighth prestigious civilian awards are
generation – who have been no longer reserved for a few. The
striving to revive dying art forms sheer diversity of the winners,
and have dedicated their lives representing all sections of
to preserving our heritage, have society and all regions of the
also been recognised by the vast country that is India, is truly
Government. inspirational. At a time when
This year the echoes of the the country is celebrating the
Padma Awards are also being unsung heroes of its freedom
heard in Left Wing Extremism- movement, it is equally
important to recognise and
honour our present-day unsung
heroes — those who have
selflessly dedicated their lives to
their communities and society
at large, without expecting any
reward for it. Today, Padma
Awards, the highest civilian
honours of our democracy,
are more than just awards;
they are a recognition of the
extraordinary feats of ordinary
citizens, a celebration of the
astounding diversity of cultures,
skills, thoughts and actions that
weave the very fabric of our
nation.
19 19
