Former IKEA executive Kushal Raj Chakravorty left a successful global corporate career to launch Lotus Petal Foundation, empowering over 10,000 underprivileged children through holistic education.
From selling vegetables with her mother to pioneering cancer care at Bengaluru’s Kidwai Institute, Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane’s journey culminated in the Padma Shri in 2025.
SEWA Director Reema Nanavaty has been recognised globally for helping women workers build livelihoods, economic independence and resilience.
Founded by environmental lawyer Nadeem Qadri, Pampore’s free Nature School uses Kashmir’s vibrant wetlands and saffron fields as an open-air classroom to nurture environmental stewards.
K. R. Usha Kumari spent years trekking through forests to educate tribal children in Kerala before her school’s closure led to her reassignment as a sweeper in 2022.
Former UN High Commissioner Navi Pillay dedicated her life to defending human rights, dismantling apartheid, and championing international justice for marginalized communities worldwide.
From pioneering India’s indigenous space and missile programmes to inspiring generations as President, Dr. Kalam’s journey remains a testament to knowledge, humility and public service.
Despite freezing delivery rooms, oxygen shortages and cultural taboos, Dr Tsering Landol dedicated decades to improving women’s healthcare in Ladakh.
Former railway engineer Gangadhar Tilak Katnam and his wife Venkateshwari spent 15 years repairing over 2,000 potholes across Hyderabad using his pension, inspiring the citizen movement Shramadaan.
82-year-old educator Padmini brought her ‘School on Wheels’ to Kodaikanal’s Kombai tribal settlements, using hygiene lessons and integrated learning to enroll 50+ first-generation learners into education.
