This year Padma awards included many unsung heroes of Jharkhand who had served the poor, worked for environment protection, popularized tribal arts globally and others. Meet the 84-year-old medical practitioner of Ranchi, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, popularly known as ‘the Poor Man’s Doctor’ who still does not rest and serves patient charging them a fee of a mere Rs 5 and many a times free of cost. Mukherjee’s name included in the list of 94 Padma Shri awardees announced on Friday.
Mukherjee, an octogenarian has been treating people for past fifty years running the clinic at posh Lalpur Chowk of state capital. Mukherjee, talking to The Pioneer said, “While I never served the poor for any award, it is indeed a proud moment for me that the Government has recognised my contribution to the society and selected me for the prestigious award.”
Mukherjee who has completed his MBBS from Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) in 1957 has been treating patients ever since. He said, “I had never thought of earning money for living a lavish life. You have to draw a line for your lifestyle.”
If Mukherjee has received Padma Shri for his selfless service to society, Jamuna Tuddu and Bullu Imam have received the Padma Shri awards for their cudgel protecting environment.
38-year-old woman environmentalist Jamuna Tuddu has been working in East Singhbhum district for more than two decades protecting the Jal and Jungle in her area. Tuddu, narrating her experience how she decided to devout her life protecting environment said, “In 1998 when I reached my in-law’s house at Muturkhana village under Chakulia block of district, I was upset seeing large scale deforestation going on in the area. The villagers for money were cutting down Saal trees. I was pained and decided to create an awareness protecting the trees.” She added, “I took up the idea with some fellow villagers; initially a village level committee comprising mainly women was set up for protecting Jungle. People from other villages especially women came forward in cause started by me. Now there are more than 300 committees with each committee having 10 to 15 people in the group working in their drive protecting environment.”
The Padma awards list also included Hazaribagh based environmentalist Bulu Imam. Coming from one of the India’s most distinguished families, which has produced a steady stream of intellectuals over past two centuries, Imam took up the idea of protecting environment.
Bullu’s grandfather Syed Hasan Imam was president of the Indian National Congress in 1918. The 77-year old activist said, “I have devoted my life protecting environment.
This award is going to give me encouragement and more teeth to fight against the mighty mining companies and preserve our natural resources.” He has been waging a non-violent fight protecting environment in Upper Damaodar Valley (Karanpura).
Bullu said, “Now the fight will be against stone mining in Ichak area. There are more than 300 stone mines in the area which is damaging the natural habitat.”
The list of Padma awardees from state also included senior BJP leader and Khunti MP Karia Munda and mountaineer Bachendri Pal. Both Munda and Bachendri have received Padma Bhushan awards. This year the President of India Ram Nath Kovind approved conferment of 112 Padma Awards. The list comprises 4 Padma Vibhushan, 14 Padma Bhushan and 94 Padma Shri Awards.