We were thrilled to see the names of our favourite Olympic stars Sakshi Malik and Dipa Karmakar among this year’s Padma Shri awardees. But the list this year had bigger surprises to offer. Featuring a diversity which was welcome if not surprising, many of the names mentioned gave recognition to fields that are rarely applauded at the national level. Three female Padma Shri awardees in particular stood out for us!
1. Meenakshi Amma, “Granny with a sword”, Kalaripayattu Expert
Few women truly deserve the title of badass as much as she does. Meenakshi Amma, as she is affectionately called by the thousands of students she has trained, is one of oldest practitioners of an ancient Indian martial art. Originating from Kerala, Kalari is not as well-known as most other martial arts, but has a rich tradition in the south of India. So, if you’re at all intrigued by India’s very own Mr Miyagi, this video interview, which also shows Meenakshi Amma in action, is a must watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-YkrAQj1_A
Video source: Great Big Story
2. Deepa Malik, Paralympics Silver Medallist
Deepa’s story is truly remarkable. Paralysed from the waist down, Deepa has been confined to a wheelchair for over 17 years. But that didn’t stop Deepa from pursuing her love for sport.
In 2016, she became the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics. After being a denied a place in the Indian squad for the 2102 London Games, she made history in Rio last year by winning a silver medal in Short Put. Along with greater recognition for female athletes, it’s a welcome sign to also see recognition for differently abled athletes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4ceO1HxQ-A
Video source: DD National
3. Baua Devi, Madhubani Painter
It’s an art form we’re all familiar with, but I’m sure few of us (if any) can name even a single artist associated with it. Seventy-five-year-old Baua Devi has been painting since she was 13 years old and has had her work presented in over 11 countries. So in a rare nod to regional artists from the Padma awards adjudicators, it was wonderful to see Baua Devi’s name listed among the awardees this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9xZd78FTWY
Video source: Mithila Art Institute
Featured image: Great Big Story on Youtube
