Bengaluru, 26 Jan

Nine remarkable individuals from Karnataka have been conferred with the prestigious Padma Awards, India's highest civilian honours, this year. Among them are three stories that burn brightly, a testament to the human spirit's indomitable strength and unwavering dedication to service.

Dr Chandrashekar Channapatna Rajannachar, a renowned psychiatrist from State, was honoured for making mental health care accessible. Fondly called the "People's Psychiatrist", Chandrashekar has dedicated his life to providing mental healthcare to the underprivileged, particularly in rural areas. “I have adopted several villages around Bengaluru and regularly visit them, treating patients at their doorsteps. This not only makes mental health care more accessible but also helps to break the stigma surrounding mental illness in rural communities,” Rajannachar told Salar News.  

The psychiatrist from Arekere in City also works to raise awareness about mental health issues. “I conduct workshops and educational sessions in villages, helping people understand the importance of mental well-being and how to seek help when needed,” said Rajannachar, who runs Samadhana Counselling Trust Centre in City.

Chandrashekhar was elated at the honour bestowed on the Republic Day. “I am honoured to receive this high-profile award from Prime Minister himself. Feels like I've achieved something precious in my life.” 

Prema Dhanraj, a 72-year-old burn surgeon from City, is another individual from State who hogged the limelight on the day. Dhanraj, who works at Christian Medical College Vellore, is a pioneer in the field of reconstructive surgery and operated on 25,000 burn victims. She started Agni Raksha, an NGO which provides rehabilitation for burn survivors from poor families, especially women and children.

Bengaluru native K Rajanna has lost mobility in both his hands and legs to polio, but he dedicated his life to the welfare of people with disabilities. Rajanna was conferred the prestigious award in the field of social work.  

Other Padma Shri awardees from State are 90-year-old industrialist and philanthropist Sitaram Jindal (promotes naturopathy through Jindal Naturecure Institute in Bengaluru); 69-year-old Sridhar Makam Krishnamurthy (literature and education), 43-year-old tennis player Rohan Machanda Bopanna (currently ranked doubles world number 1); 66-year-old Somanna (a tribal welfare worker from Mysuru); 82-year-old Shashi Soni (entrepreneur on hi-tech automotive and defence manufacturing); and 59-year-old Anupama Hoskere (puppetry artist promoting ‘Dhaatu Puppetry). —Salar News