Bihar Folk Singer Sharda Sinha Posthumously Awarded Padma Vibhushan, Sushil Modi Honoured with Padma Bhushan

Folk singer Sharda Sinha was posthumously honoured with the Padma Vibhushan. Former Bihar deputy CM Sushil Modi was named for the Padma Bhushan. Sinha, affectionately known as Bihar Kokila, was celebrated for her efforts in promoting Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Bajjika folk music. She had previously received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards.

Acharya Kishore Kunal, an IPS officer who became a socio-religious activist, was awarded the Padma Shri. He founded the Mahavir Mandir Trust in Patna. During his bureaucratic career, he served as OSD to the Ayodhya Cell under the VP Singh government to address the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. He passed away from cardiac arrest on December 29.

Recognition for Cultural Contributions

Nirmala Devi, a global ambassador of Sujani embroidery from Muzaffarpur, was also named for the Padma Shri. At 75, she is credited with reviving this traditional art form, now GI-tagged. Through her organisation, Bhusra Mahila Vikas Samiti, she has trained over 1,000 women in Sujani embroidery, providing them with a means of livelihood.

Bhim Singh Bhavesh, a journalist known as Musahar Ki Messiah, received recognition for his work with the Musahar community in Bhojpur district. For 22 years, he has worked tirelessly through his foundation Nayee Asha to uplift this marginalised group. He enrolled over 8,000 Musahar children in schools and established a large library.

Honouring Diverse Achievements

Hemant Kumar was acknowledged for his contributions to medicine. Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj received recognition for his work in spiritualism. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extended congratulations to all seven awardees for their exceptional contributions to society.

Sinha's son Anshuman had expressed hope that his mother would be considered for the Padma Vibhushan after her passing in November at age 72 due to cancer. Known for her melodious Chhath songs and Bollywood hits like Taar Bijli and Babul, Sinha left a lasting legacy in Indian folk music.

Sushil Modi had a political career spanning nearly five decades. He served as both a state legislator and a member of Parliament. Modi passed away last May at age 72 while battling cancer.