On January 25, 2026, India honoured 45 unsung heroes with the Padma Shri award. These individuals come from every corner of the country and work quietly to serve society. Anke Gowda, a former bus conductor from Karnataka, created the world’s largest free-access library, Pustak Mane, holding over two million books in 20 languages. The 75-year-old was recognised for empowering learners nationwide. Mumbai paediatrician Armida Fernandes established Asia’s first human milk bank. Her work helps save infants’ lives. Other awardees include Bhagwandas Raikwar, who trains Bundeli war art in Madhya Pradesh; 90-year-old Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda who plays the rare Tarpa instrument from Maharashtra; and Brij Lal Bhat, a noted social worker from Jammu and Kashmir. This year’s awards highlight everyday Indians preserving culture, promoting tribal languages, protecting nature, and supporting women, children, Dalits, and tribals. The Padma Shri also went to Budri Thati for opening schools in Naxal areas of Chhattisgarh, Santhali author Charan Hembram from Odisha, brass engraver Chiranji Lal Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarati performing artist Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya. Hyderabad geneticist Kumarasamy Thangharaj was honoured for tracing human migration from Africa to India. Awardees often faced great personal challenges. Many come from marginalised communities and remote regions. Others include Puducherry’s K Pajanivel for preserving the Silambam martial art and journalist Kailash Chandra Pant for promoting Hindi over six decades. Haryana’s Khem Raj Sundriyal revived weaving techniques and taught thousands of artisans. These honours celebrate humble champions quietly shaping India’s heritage and future.