The Government of India honored Radha Bhatt, a prominent Gandhian social activist from Uttarakhand, with the Padma Shri Award 2025 for her lifelong contributions to social work, women's empowerment, and environmental protection.
Radha Bhatt – Padma Shri Award 2025 Winner from Uttarakhand for Social Work
Early Life and Background
Radha Bhatt was born on October 16, 1933, in a remote village of Uttarakhand. From an early age, she recognized the lack of educational opportunities for girls. At 16, she joined Lakshmi Ashram in Kausani, established by Gandhian Sarla Behn, where she began her journey as a social worker rooted in Gandhian philosophy.
Major Contributions and Social Impact
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Between 1961 and 1963, she led a community development project in Baugaad village, Pithoragarh, based on Gandhian methods.
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She organized women and youth groups, promoted local governance, and supported forest conservation efforts.
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In 1975, Radha Bhatt played a significant role in the Chipko Movement, and also led anti-mining campaigns that protected over 300 acres of land and resulted in the planting of over 160,000 trees.
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She led the Nadi Bachao Movement in 2008 and walked over 79,000 kilometers to connect and organize rural women across different villages.
International Engagement and Recognition
Radha Bhatt represented India at various international forums and delivered lectures in countries such as USA, UK, Denmark, Poland, and China. She was also a leader in several Gandhian institutions and contributed to educational and environmental reform efforts.
Awards and Honours
Apart from the Padma Shri Award 2025, she has been the recipient of several prestigious honors including:
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Jamnalal Bajaj Award
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Godavari Award
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Indira Priyadarshini Award
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Muni Santbal Award
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Swami Ram Humanitarian Award
Radha Bhatt’s work is a reflection of deep commitment to grassroots change. Her efforts in rural development, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation have left a lasting impact on Uttarakhand and beyond. Her recognition with the Padma Shri is a tribute to her decades-long service to society.
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Q&A: Radha Bhatt – Padma Shri 2025 Winner (Social Work)
Q1. Who is Radha Bhatt?
Ans: Radha Bhatt is a renowned Gandhian social worker from Uttarakhand known for her work in rural development, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation.
Q2. Why did Radha Bhatt receive the Padma Shri Award in 2025?
Ans: She received the Padma Shri Award 2025 for her decades-long contribution to social work, particularly in organizing rural women, leading environmental movements, and promoting Gandhian values.
Q3. What are Radha Bhatt’s key contributions to society?
Ans:
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Leadership in the Chipko Movement and anti-mining campaigns
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Organized women’s self-help groups and youth forums
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Played a key role in forest conservation and reforestation
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Promoted education and skill training for rural women
Q4. Where is Radha Bhatt from?
Ans: Radha Bhatt hails from Uttarakhand and has been associated with Lakshmi Ashram, Kausani, since her youth.
Q5. What other awards has Radha Bhatt received?
Ans: Apart from the Padma Shri, she has received the Jamnalal Bajaj Award, Godavari Award, Indira Priyadarshini Award, Swami Ram Humanitarian Award, among others.
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