On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, the Central Government announced the Padma Awards, honouring citizens for their exceptional contributions in various fields. This year, Gujarat figures prominently, with six distinguished personalities set to receive the Padma Shri for their lifelong service to society, art, literature, culture and healthcare.
Nilesh Mandlewala (Social Work)
Surat-based social worker Nilesh Mandlewala has been recognised for his pioneering work in promoting organ donation. Inspired by his father’s struggle with kidney failure, he founded the organisation ‘Donate Life’ in 2014. As of January 2026, the initiative has facilitated the donation of 1,366 organs and tissues, benefiting more than 1,250 patients worldwide. His efforts were especially significant during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he ensured that life-saving transplants continued despite lockdowns.
Haji Kasambhai Mir alias Haji Ramkadu (Folk Art)
Eighty-year-old Haji Ramkadu from Junagadh has dedicated over six decades to Gujarati folk music, particularly dholak performances. Known as a symbol of communal harmony, he has staged more than 20,000 free performances to raise funds for gaushalas. He has shared the stage with folk legends and performed internationally, taking Gujarati folk traditions to global audiences.
Dharmilal Pandya (Traditional Art)
Vadodara-based Dharmilal Pandya, 94, is one of the last exponents of the 350-year-old ‘Maan Bhatt’ storytelling tradition. Having inherited the art from his father, he has performed more than 2,500 akhyans across India and abroad. He has also adapted the form to address social issues through works like ‘Jal Akhyan’ and ‘Beti Bachao Akhyan’. His sons continue the legacy.
Ratilal Borisagar (Literature)
Renowned Gujarati satirist Ratilal Borisagar has been honoured for his contribution to literature. A former Academic Secretary of the Gujarat State School Textbook Board, he is known for his subtle and refined humour. His notable works include Marak Marak, Anandlok and Enjoygraphy, a humorous novel based on his personal experience with heart surgery.
Arvind Vaidya (Theatre/Television)
Veteran actor Arvind Vaidya, widely recognised as “Bapuji” from the popular television serial Anupamaa, has been awarded for his contribution to theatre and television. Rooted in Ahmedabad’s theatre tradition, Vaidya has spent decades enriching Gujarati and Hindi theatre. Even at 84, he continues to remain actively involved in the performing arts.
Dr Prateek Sharma (Medicine)
Vadodara-born and US-based doctor Prateek Sharma has also been selected for the Padma Shri. An MBBS graduate from Vadodara, he completed his schooling at Rosary School and has made significant contributions in the field of medicine abroad.
The honours recognise the diverse achievements of these Gujaratis, whose work has left a lasting impact in India and beyond.