Born in 1962 in Kolar, Ganesh’s academic journey cuts across disciplines. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from University Of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, a master’s degree in metallurgy from the Indian Institute of Science, a master’s degree in Sanskrit, and a doctor of literature in Kannada from Hampi University, where his research focused on avadhana theory and practice.Fluent in Kannada, Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil and Prakrit, he has performed more than 1,300 Avadhanas, including the demanding Shatavadhana with a hundred participants. A prolific author, critic and speaker, Ganesh continues to write, lecture and perform, interpreting classical literary traditions for present-day audiences.——-Shubha Iyengar (Padma Shri, science and engineering)At 71, Shubha V Iyengar’s Padma Shri recognises a career that mirrors India’s post-independence scientific journey. A former scientist at CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories, she joined NAL in 1974 after securing the first rank in both her BSc (honours) physics and MSc degrees from the Central College.“My interest in science came from my father. He always believed women should pursue higher studies and wanted me to complete my PhD. I lost him while I was an MSc student, but I carried his wish forward,” she told TOI. The youngest of nine siblings — several of them have passed away — Shubha says her family is her backbone. Her work spans over four decades, with one of her most visible contributions being ‘Drishti’, a system now deployed at airports across the country, including by the Indian Air Force, strengthening aviation safety and operations. Describing the award as recognition “for everything put together — science, engineering and service to the nation”, she remains active even after retirement, advising organisations whenever called upon. “I help wherever I can,” she said.SG Susheelamma (Padma Shri, social work)Fondly known as ‘Amma’, SG Susheelamma, 86, founded Sumangali Seva Ashrama in 1975 with the aim of supporting destitute women, orphaned children and economically weaker communities. Operating from Cholanayakanahalli near Hebbal, it today houses about 110 residents, including 70 children and 40 elderly people.Over five decades, Susheelamma estimates that her work has touched the lives of more than 30 lakh people through housing for slum dwellers, education, healthcare and employment initiatives. The ashrama also runs adult literacy programmes, vocational training for women and regular health camps. She has founded the Basavananda higher primary school, which provides free education to around 250 students.“We are currently working on the overall development of tribal communities in Magadi and Bandipur,” she said. She also told TOI about an initiative to provide autorickshaws and training to women from tribal communities, enabling them to earn their livelihood. The Padma Shri, she says, has only strengthened her resolve to continue.Shashi Shekar Vempati (Padma Shri, literature & education)Vempati is a technocrat and strategic advisor whose work has straddled technology, media and public policy over two decades. He currently advises global organisations, startups and govt institutions, and is closely involved in shaping India’s emerging AI ecosystem.As co-founder of the DeepTech for Bharat Foundation, he leads the AI4India initiative, and serves on the board of directors of the BharatGen Technology Foundation, incubated at IIT Bombay, which is focused on building India’s sovereign AI capabilities. He is also the chairperson of the Apex Advisory Committee for Science and Technology Communication at the department of science and technology, and heads the UGC’s experts committee on Educational media.Vempati has held several governance and advisory roles, including at the International Broadcast Standards Organisation (ATSC), Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Consortium for Educational Communication, Jamia’s AJK Mass Communication and Media Research Centre, and the Broadcast Audience Research Council.As CEO of Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022, he led reforms aimed at modernising Doordarshan and All India Radio, and concurrently headed Rajya Sabha TV. He spent 15 years at Infosys Technologies, working on global programmes in wireless and enterprise mobility.An IIT Bombay alumnus, Vempati is the author of Collective Spirit, Concrete Action, a study of the influence of Mann ki Baat.
