First woman elephant mahout among 34 unsung heroes awarded Padma Shri
New Delhi, Jan 25: India's first woman elephant mahout Parbati Baruah famous as "Hasti Kanya", tribal environmentalist Chami Murmu, social worker Sangthankima who runs Mizoram's largest orphanage and plastic surgeon Prema Dhanraj who treats burn victims are among 34 "unsung heroes" awarded Padma Shri on Thursday.
The list, issued on the eve of 75th Republic Day, also has organic farmer from South Andaman K Chellammal, international Mallakhamb coach Uday Vishwanath Deshpande, renowned microbiologist who pioneered development of India's inaugural Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program Yazdi Maneksha Italia, Longpi potter Machihan Sasa from Ukhrul who dedicated five decades to preserve this ancient Manipuri traditional pottery that traces its roots back to the Neolithic period (10,000 BC).
The coveted civilian honour also went to Gaddam Sammaiah theatre artiste Chindu Yakshaganam (from Jangaon) performing this art form for over five decades in over 19,000 shows, Bhilwara's Behrupiya artiste Jankilal, third generation Burra Veena player from Damaragidda village in Narayanpet Dasari Kondappa, brass Marori craftsperson Babu Ram Yadav and Chhau mask maker Nepal Chandra Sutradhar.
Bamboo craftsman from Mangan Jordan Lepcha, Valli Oyil Kummi folk dancer from Coimbatore Badrappan M, sculptor Sanatan Rudra Pal who specializes in crafting Sabeki Durga idols, Sabda Nrutya folk dancer from Bargarh Bhagabat Padhan are among the other Padma Shri winners.
The list also included Theyyam folk dancer from Kannur Narayanan E P, Mach theatre artist from Malwa region Omprakash Sharma, Chakma Loinloom shawl weaver from Tripura Smriti Rekha Chakma, Krishna Leela singer from Ganjam Gopinath Swain, first female Harikatha exponent Uma Maheshwari D and Kalluvazhi Kathakali dancer Balakrishnan Sadanam Puthiya Veetil.
Tikuli painter Ashok Kumar Biswas credited for revival and modification of the Mauryan era artform through his efforts over last five decades, Bhadu folk singer Ratan Kahar, Godna painters who overcame social stigma to earn global recognition Shanti Devi Paswan and Shivan Paswan have also been awarded Padma Shri.
Tribal farmer from Chirang Sarbeswar Basumatary, tribal welfare worker Somanna, East Siang based herbal medicine expert Yanung Jamoh Lego, a traditional medicinal practitioner from Narayanpur Hemchand Manjhi, tribal environmentalist from Sindri village, Purulia Dukhu Majhi, rice farmer Sathyanarayana Beleri from Kasaragod who preserved 650 rice varities, divyang social worker from Sirsa Gurvinder Singh and tribal welfare worker from Jashpur Jageshwar Yadav complete the list.
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Dalit groom allegedly assaulted by 'upper caste' men in Agra: Police
Agra (UP), Apr 18 (PTI): A Dalit groom was allegedly assaulted by a group of "upper caste" men during a wedding procession in Agra's Nagla Talfi area, police said on Thursday.
The incident also left several members of the wedding party injured, they said.
According to the complaint lodged by Anita, a resident of Nagla Talfi, the incident took place on Wednesday evening when her daughter's wedding procession arrived from Mathura. The wedding was scheduled to take place later at a marriage home located a short distance from the village, it said.
As the procession moved along the road accompanied by DJ music, a group of men from "upper castes" allegedly arrived with sticks and batons and attacked the groom and several others, the complaint said.
"The attackers beat up the groom and several members of the wedding party. Due to the assault, no rituals could be performed at the marriage venue.
"The entire ceremony had to be shifted and conducted at our home instead," Anita stated in her complaint.
Assistant Commissioner of Police P K Rai said, "Those injured in the assault are being treated. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway."
An FIR has been registered against nine named and 20 unidentified individuals in connection with the attack, he said.
Agra : A Dalit wedding procession was attacked by some members of an upper-caste community for allegedly playing loud music. A care was registered and two accused were arrested yesterday. The case registered including SC/ST Act against nine named accused Ajit Tomar, Ajay Tomar,… pic.twitter.com/ziY4x8ROow
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