India, a land of unparalleled diversity, is a tapestry woven with myriad cultures, languages, and traditions. At the heart of this rich heritage lies the philosophy of “Vasudeva Kutumbakam,” which translates to “the world is one family This belief fosters unity amidst diversity, celebrating the unique contributions of every individual. we celebrate five remarkable women” PADMA SHRI WINNERS” who embody this spirit of inclusivity and resilience. Each of them hails from marginalized communities, representing the rich mosaic of India from North to South, East to West.
AS A YOUNG MANJAMMA LAY UNCONSCIOUS AFTER A SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SHE COULD NOT HAVE IMAGINED THAT ONE DAY SHE WOULD RECEIVE A NATIONAL AWARD FROM THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA. A TRANSGENDER FOLK ARTIST WHO BECAME THE PRESIDENT OF THE KARNATAKA FOLK ACADEMY, HER LIFE’S JOURNEY HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF EPIC.
Parbati Barua's journey as mahout Baruah has gained valuable expertise as an elephant mahout and has dedicated herself to mitigating human - elephant conflict.
Chutni Mahato -65
Padma Shri
IN 2021, SHE WAS AWARDED THE PADMA SHRI FOR HER SOCIAL WORK, INDIA’S FOURTH HIGHEST CIVILIAN AWARD.
Chutni Mahato, also known as Chutni Devi, is a social worker from Jharkhand, India. Once a victim of witch-branding, she now works to help others who have been branded as witches and spreads awareness about superstitions and witchcraft.
SUDEVI MATA JI(69)
Padma Shri
Friederike Irina Bruning- 67, now called Sudevi Mataji, is a German animal rights activist. She was awarded India’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, She was the founder of Radha Surabhi Goshala in 1996. A German citizen, Sudevi Mataji has resided in Radha Kund for over 35 years, taking care of cows in need.
Friederike Irina Bruning landed in Mathura, India from Berlin in 1978 as a tourist. She was moved by the plight of the stray animals and hence decided to stay back and care for them. German citizen Friederike Irina Bruning, now called Sudevi Mataji, started Radha Surabhi Gaushala Niketan in Radhakund in 1996
Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi ( 70 )
PADMA SHRI
Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi-70 of the Siddi tribe. Winner Padma Shri for work on women's empowerment
Hirbai hails from the African-origin Siddi tribe that resides in Jambur village near Gir forest in Gujarat, which is also the home of the pride of India, the Asian lion. She spent a large part of her life in the uplift of Siddi tribal women and for the education of children. Till now she has changed the lives of more than 700 women and innumerable children.
Director - Producer
Haider Khan - Rishina Kandhari