Three of the Padma Shri awardees, announced on the eve of Republic Day, are aged above 100 – Odisha’s Krishna Leela singer Gopinath Swain, 105; Charlotte Chopin, 100, a yoga exponent from France; and Pakaravur Chithran Namboodiripad, 102, an educationist from Kerala, who was awarded posthumously.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated all the Padma awardees and said India cherishes their contribution across diverse sectors. In a post on X, Modi said, “Congratulations to all those who have been conferred the Padma Awards. India cherishes their contribution across diverse sectors. May they continue to inspire people with their exceptional work.”
The government on Tuesday announced that Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, will be awarded to the late two-time Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur.
Congratulations to all those who have been conferred the Padma Awards. India cherishes their contribution across diverse sectors. May they continue to inspire people with their exceptional work. https://t.co/rDJbL9nHNi— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2024
Meet the three Padma Shri awardees from the 100+ club
- GOPINATH SWAIN (Art: Vocals – Bhajan Odia): The 105-year-old has been awarded the Padma Shri for performing Krishna Leela for over nine decades. Coming from a family of Krishna Leela performers from Ganjam, he commenced his musical journey from the young age of 5 and dedicated his life to preserve and promote the tradition.According to the government: “His commitment to traditional techniques and improvisational methods breathed life into Krishna Leela, creating a bridge between the past and present.” He sang and taught five ancient ragas – Dakhinasri, Chinta Desakhya, Todi Bhatiari, Bhatiari and Kumbha Kamodi.Swain established Akhadas (traditional village schools) and imparted his knowledge to hundreds of disciples. Despite old age, he has been teaching and propagating this unique art, scouting talent from across Southern Odisha.
- CHARLOTTE CHOPIN (Others: Yoga): The 100-year-old yoga exponent from France has been awarded the Padma Shri for defying age limiting norms by learning yoga post turning 50.
- PAKARAVUR CHITHRAN NAMBOODIRIPAD (Literature and Education): The 102-year-old educationist and administrator from Thrissur has been awarded the Padma Shri posthumously for fostering education and promoting arts for seven decades.
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