Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) will be felicitating Padma Shri awardees from Vidarbha at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Memorial Hall, Civil Lines, on June 28 at 4 pm. The decision to felicitate the awardees was taken following a resolution passed by the university Senate. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be chief guest, while former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai will be the guest of honour. Vice-Chancellor Dr Manali Kshirsagar will preside over the function. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Akhilesh Peshwe, Registrar Dr Raju Hiwase, and Chairman of the felicitation committee and Senate member Adv Manmohan Bajpayee will also be present. While addressing mediapersons on Thurday at RTMNU’s Jamnalal Bajaj Bhavan premises, Dr Manali Kshirsagar said, “As per the Senate’s decision, those from Vidarbha who have received the Padma Shri after 2019 will be felicitated during the ceremony.”

 

Shankar Baba Papalkar, who has dedicated his life to the care, rehabilitation and dignity of abandoned and differently-abled children, received Padma Shri in 2024 for his outstanding social service. Dr Ravindra Kolhe and Dr Smita Kolhe have spent over four decades providing healthcare services in the tribal region of Melghat and combating malnutrition and infant mortality. They were honoured with the Padma Shri in 2019. Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, a renowned neurologist from Nagpur, has made significant contributions to medical education, research and public health awareness. He received the Padma Shri in 2024. Namdevrao Kamble, a noted Marathi writer and journalist, highlighted the struggles of the underprivileged and agricultural labourers through his literary works. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021. Dr Dhananjay Sagdev, originally from Nagpur, has devoted over four decades to providing healthcare services to tribal communities in Wayanad, Kerala.

 

He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2021. Dr Parashuram Khune, popularly known as the Dada Kondke of Jadipatti theatre, has contributed immensely to tribal theatre and social work in Naxal-affected regions. He received the Padma Shri in 2023. Dr Vilas Dangre, a senior homoeopathy practitioner from Nagpur, is known for his decades-long service in patient care and treatment of voice and respiratory disorders. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2025. Satyanarayan Nuwal, an industrialist and pioneer in the solar energy sector, built a global business presence while contributing to employment generation and social causes. He received the Padma Shri in 2026. Janardanpant Bothe, a close associate of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj, has worked extensively for rural development, education and social reform through Gurudev Seva Mandal. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2026. Dr Akhilesh Peshwe, Dr Raju Hiwase and Adv Manmohan Bajpayee were also present.