On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, the Central Government revealed the Padma Awards for 2026, recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation’s cultural and social fabric. This year, Gujarat stands out in the national honors list, with five recipients of the Padma Shri from the state, acknowledged for their work in folk arts and social service.
One of the awardees is 94-year-old Manbhatt folk storyteller, Dharamiklal Pandya from Vadodara, honored for his dedication to preserving the traditional art of narrative storytelling through music. Pandya, who has devoted 73 years to this art form, combines classical music, rhythm, and narration to uphold the oral tradition, which he embraced as a means of livelihood and passion since his early days.
Over the years, Pandya’s storytelling performances have captivated audiences not only in Gujarat but also nationally and internationally, with over 2,500 presentations in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. His repertoire includes renowned works like Shri Harivansh Puran, Shri Shiv Mahapuran, and Shri Sangeet Shrimad Bhagwat, along with programs focusing on social issues such as environmental conservation, prohibition, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
In an exclusive conversation, Pandya attributed his achievement to his mentors, family, and the rich Gujarati art tradition. He emphasized the importance of integrating traditional folk arts into school curricula, emphasizing the inseparable connection between language, culture, and music, which he believes require structured support to endure changing times.
From Junagadh, the 80-year-old veteran dholak player, Hajibhai Mir, also known as Haji Ramkadu, has been named a Padma Shri recipient for his contributions to Gujarat’s rhythmic traditions on national and international stages. Expressing deep emotion, Mir acknowledged the honor bestowed upon him, crediting his art, teachers, and the revered land of Junagadh, while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging folk musicians.
Nilesh Mandalewala, a social worker based in Surat, has been recognized for spearheading the organ donation movement in Gujarat. Despite his business background, Mandalewala established Donate Life following his father’s battle with kidney disease, facilitating the donation of 1,366 organs and tissues since 2005, saving numerous lives in India and abroad. His efforts have earned Surat the informal title of an “Organ Donor City.”
Mandalewala views the Padma recognition as a testament to the evolving honor system in the country, underlining the acknowledgment of unsung heroes contributing silently to society under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He sees the awards as a source of motivation for volunteers and donor families, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the community.
These Padma Shri accolades bestowed upon the five individuals from Gujarat underscore the ongoing national appreciation for India’s folk traditions and grassroots social endeavors, highlighting their enduring impact on society.
