Subhechcha Ganguly 
The central government announced the names of several unsung heroes who will be honored with the prestigious Padma Shri ahead of Republic Day celebrations on Saturday. A comprehensive list of all Padma Awardees is expected to be released later today.
Among the notable awardees is Libia Lobo Sardesai, a 100-year-old freedom fighter from Goa, who played a significant role in the state’s freedom movement. In 1955, she co-founded an underground radio station, Voz da Liberdade (Voice of Freedom), in a forested area to rally the masses against Portuguese colonial rule.
Another recipient is Gokul Chandra Dey, a 57-year-old Dhak player from West Bengal, who has shattered gender stereotypes in the male-dominated field. Dey has trained 150 women in the art of playing the Dhak, and even designed a lighter version of the traditional instrument, weighing 1.5 kg less than the conventional one. He has represented India on international platforms and performed with legendary maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain.
Also among the awardees is Dr. Neerja Bhatla, a distinguished gynecologist from Delhi, recognized for her expertise in the detection, prevention, and management of cervical cancer.
