Law Notify : The Government of India has announced the list of Padma Awards for 2026, bringing a moment of pride for Chhattisgarh. Three distinguished individuals from the state have been selected for the Padma Shri, recognising their long-standing and selfless service in the fields of social work and healthcare. Social worker Budhri Tati from Dantewada, along with doctors Ramchandra Tryambak Godbole and Sunita Godbole, will be conferred with the honour. The Godbole couple will receive the award jointly for their shared contribution to public health.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated all three awardees and described their selection as a matter of pride for the entire state. He stated that their dedication, compassion, and deep social commitment have brought national recognition to Chhattisgarh.
The inclusion of these names in the Padma Awards list, announced on the eve of Republic Day, is particularly significant as all three have spent decades serving people in remote and Maoist-affected areas of the Bastar division. Their work has focused on communities often beyond the reach of basic government services.
Budhri Tati, Bastar’s ‘Badi Didi’, to Receive Padma Shri
Budhri Tati, a resident of Hiranar village in Dantewada district, is being honoured for her exceptional contribution to women’s empowerment, tribal welfare, and social service. Since 1984, she has been working continuously in forest and tribal regions, leading initiatives in de-addiction, literacy, social awareness, and education for women and girls. Over the years, she has helped more than 500 women become self-reliant.
Her life has been devoted to educating tribal girls, empowering women, and caring for the elderly. Owing to her affection and commitment, local communities respectfully refer to her as “Badi Didi”. She has also received recognition from the Chhattisgarh government for her work in the past.
Godbole Couple Recognised for Free Medical Service in Remote Regions
Dr. Ramchandra Tryambak Godbole, an Ayurvedic physician, and his wife Dr. Sunita Godbole have been jointly selected for the Padma Shri for their exemplary contribution to healthcare. For more than 37 years, the couple has been providing free medical services in extremely remote tribal areas such as Bastar and Abujhmad.
Through their initiative, Trust for Health, they have taken healthcare to villages lacking basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, and mobile connectivity. Often travelling on foot or with minimal resources, they organise regular health camps, provide primary treatment, spread health awareness, and work towards addressing malnutrition.
The selection of these three individuals for the Padma Shri highlights Chhattisgarh’s strong tradition of service, compassion, and social responsibility. This recognition is not only a personal honour for the awardees but also a source of pride for the entire state, especially the Bastar region, and serves as an inspiration for those engaged in social service across the country.
