Dr Ramchandra Godbole and his wife Sunita Godbole have been conferred the Padma Shri award in 2026 by the Government of India for over 37 years of selfless service in healthcare and social work among tribal communities in Bastar and Abujhmad regions of Chhattisgarh.

The couple, originally from Satara district in Maharashtra, have been providing free medical care, health awareness and nutritional support to some of India’s most remote and underserved villages, often unreachable by basic infrastructure.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed their recognition as a “matter of pride for the state” and highlighted their contribution to Naxal‑affected areas. Their work, alongside that of other awardees from the state such as tribal social worker Budhri Tati, reflects grassroots service with national impact.

Grassroots Healthcare in the Heart of Tribal Bastar

Dr Ramchandra Godbole, an Ayurvedic physician, and Sunita Godbole, a social worker, have dedicated nearly four decades to improving health outcomes among the tribal populations of Bastar and the dense forests of Abujhmad, areas long challenged by lack of roads, electricity, mobile connectivity and persistent socio‑economic marginalisation.

Since arriving in the region in 1990, the Godboles have embodied a model of community‑centric care that goes beyond periodic medical camps. Their work includes diagnosing and treating illnesses free of cost, addressing persistent issues such as malnutrition and anaemia, and educating villagers about hygiene, maternal health, nutrition and preventive care.

Through their initiative Trust for Health, they regularly organise health camps in villages reachable only on foot or via limited transport. In many instances, they have walked many kilometres through forest paths to reach hamlets that remain cut off from basic government services.

Their efforts have directly benefited tens of thousands of tribal residents over decades, with estimates suggesting that more than one lakh patients have received free treatment and advice.

Villagers affectionately refer to Dr Godbole as “Doctor Bhaiya,” a term that reflects deep trust and gratitude. Sunita, meanwhile, has worked closely with tribal women to raise awareness on pregnancy care, child care, nutrition and health practices, leading to greater uptake of regular health check‑ups and improved family health behaviours.

Recognition Amid Challenges and Wider State Pride

The announcement of the Padma Shri awards for 2026, made on the eve of Republic Day, included 113 Padma Shri recipients across India, among whom the Godboles were recognised jointly for their contributions to medical services in tribal and remote regions.

Chhattisgarh stands out this year with three Padma Shri awardees, including the Godbole couple and Budhri Tati a social worker known locally as “Badi Didi” for her work empowering tribal women.

Addressing reporters, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said their inclusion in the national honours list was a moment of honour and pride for the state, especially given that all three have served in remote and Naxal‑affected areas of Bastar where basic services often struggle to reach.

The couple’s journey was not without hardship. Remote geography, recurrent conflict, limited facilities, and logistical hurdles have made their work both physically and emotionally demanding. Yet, the Godboles have persisted building rapport with communities and strengthening trust in health systems where locals traditionally faced barriers to care.

Their work has enhanced health education, community resilience and grassroots engagement, elements that authorities describe as indispensable to long‑term development in tribal regions.

Officials emphasise that this form of service, rooted in sustained presence rather than intermittent outreach, fills critical gaps in India’s rural health ecosystem. The recognition of the Godboles alongside other grassroots workers demonstrates the government’s acknowledgment of unsung heroes whose work directly touches the lives of the underserved.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The story of Dr and Mrs Godbole exemplifies the transformative impact of long‑term, empathetic service in regions where institutional reach has historically been limited. Their recognition with a Padma Shri is not merely an award but a symbol of validation for countless frontline practitioners who work away from the spotlight, driven by compassion rather than personal gain.

Their example challenges common narratives that reduce development to statistics and infrastructure alone; it emphasises that trust, cultural understanding and community engagement are equally vital to positive social change.