Naari Shakti: Shakuntala Choudhary to Muktamani Devi, Meet Inspiring Women Padma Awardees From NE States

The four women are Shakuntala Choudhary of Assam for social work while Lourembam Bino Devi and Muktamani Devi, both from Manipur, were recognised for their contributions in art and trade and industry, respectively, and Badaplin War of Meghalaya in the field of Literature and Education.

Guwahati/Imphal: Recognising their exceptional contribution in various fields, four women, from seven of the eight northeastern states, were conferred Padma Shri awards. Shakuntala Choudhary (Assam), Lourembam Bino Devi, Muktamani Devi, both from Manipur, Badaplin War (Meghalaya) are among the women felicitated with one of the  highest civilian honours.

Shakuntala Choudhary, a supervisor at the Kasturba Ashram in Ulubari of Guwahati, was awarded Padma Shri for her extraordinary social work. The 102-year-old, Gandhian social worker has dedicated her life to sanitation in south Indian villages. She is popularly known as ‘Shankuntala Baideo’.

Taking to Twitter, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Heartiest congratulations to eminent social worker Smt Shakuntala Choudhary on her selection for #PadmaShri award 2022. She has devoted all her life for service of mankind. The #padmaaward is a fitting tribute to her contributions towards the society. I wish her all the best.”

Heartiest congratulations to eminent social worker Smt Shakuntala Choudhary on her selection for #PadmaShri award 2022.
She has devoted all her life for service of mankind. The #padmaaward is a fitting tribute to her contributions towards the society.
I wish her all the best.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 25, 2022

Besides, Lourembam Bino Devi and Muktamani Devi, both from Manipur, were also recognised for their contributions in art and trade and industry, respectively. Veteran applique textile artist Lourembam Bino Devi, 77, famous for preserving the Leeba textile art of Manipur for over five decades while Muktamani Devi, 49, is an inspirational woman entrepreneur exporting and popularising handcrafted woollen shoes.

Badaplin War of Meghalaya was honoured in the field of Literature and Education. War, 60, a scholar and author, has been always promoting Meghalaya’s Khasi language globally.

Check the full list of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardees:

Padma Vibhushan (4)

Padma Bhushan (17)

Padma Shri (107)