.png)
Meet the Sarvottam Nagrik Samman Awardees 2024
Each year, the Sarvottam Nagrik Sammaan is awarded to champions from around India.
Profiles of Our Honored Awardees
Get to Know the Trailblazers Receiving the Sarvottam Nagrik Samman
Mrs. Shilpa Shetty Kundra
Actress Shilpa Shetty has transcended her film career to become a leading figure in the wellness industry. For 16 years, she has championed the cause of health and fitness, making yoga both trendy and accessible. Shilpa has leveraged her platform to inspire millions through her fitness app and YouTube channel, where she shares expert wellness tips and healthy recipes. Her dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle is evident in her commitment to educating others about the benefits of fitness and balanced living.
Sadguru Brahmesh Anand Acharya Swami
Padma Shri Brahmeshwaranandacharya Swamiji, the esteemed head of Shri Datt Padmanabh Peeth in Goa, is a renowned figure in spiritual and Vedic traditions. Goa, a region historically enriched with temples and Vedic schools, has seen a revival of its spiritual heritage under Swamiji’s guidance. His efforts have transformed Goa from a place known for leisure into a hub of spiritual practice, including Vedic chanting, yajnas, and divine rituals. Swamiji has revitalized Goa's spiritual landscape, inspiring the youth towards a life of righteousness and elevating the state’s cultural and spiritual profile globally.
Mr. Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher is a distinguished Indian actor renowned for his exceptional work across Bollywood, theater, and television. Over a career spanning decades, he has delivered standout performances in films such as Saaransh, Chita, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, earning acclaim for his versatility and depth. Kher’s ability to embody a diverse range of characters has firmly established him as a significant figure in Indian cinema.
ACP Shaheeda Praveen
Dr. Shaheeda Parveen’s remarkable journey from a conservative background in Mandi, Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, to becoming a distinguished police officer is a testament to her unyielding courage and commitment. Despite facing significant personal and societal challenges, including the loss of her father at a young age and resistance to joining the police force, she embarked on a path of valor in 1995. Leading the Special Operations Group, she played a pivotal role in eliminating around 90 terrorists, earning prestigious awards such as the Police Medal for Gallantry and the DGP Commendation Card.
Mr. Ashok Patki
Ashok Patki is a celebrated Indian music director and composer with over 40 years of experience in Marathi cinema, theatre, and television. Known for his exceptional compositions, Patki is famed for hits like "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" and "Purab Se Surya Uga." His extensive body of work includes music for over 120 Marathi films, 300 dramas, and more than 350 TV serial title tracks. He has also crafted 50 Marathi and 10 Konkani music albums, and composed over 500 devotional songs and 5,000 jingles.
Mr. Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond is a revered Indian author whose literary contributions have profoundly shaped contemporary Indian literature. With a prolific career spanning over 60 years, Bond has written more than 50 books, including celebrated works such as “The Room on the Roof” and “Rusty, the Boy from the Hills.” His evocative storytelling and rich descriptions of life in the Indian hills have endeared him to readers worldwide. Ruskin Bond’s influence extends beyond books; his work has been adapted into numerous films and television series, amplifying his impact on Indian culture.
Mrs. Sudha Singh
Sudha Singh is a renowned international runner from India, who has been consistently representing both the nation and Indian Railways in international and national competitions since 2001. She competed in the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016, showcasing her prowess on the global stage. Singh achieved notable success in the 3000 meters steeplechase, winning a gold medal at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou (China) in 2010, securing fourth place at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon (South Korea), and earning a silver medal at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta (Indonesia) in 2018.
Dr. Sushil Tahiliani
Dr. Sushil Tahiliani, a senior specialist in Dermatology, brings 40 years of extensive experience to his role at P. D. Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Khar Facility, and Mahim. His expertise encompasses Clinical Dermatology, Office-based Surgeries, Diseases of Nails, and Laser treatments. Over his distinguished career, Dr. Tahiliani has handled a wide range of complex medical cases, demonstrating a remarkable ability to deliver accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
Mr. Udit Narayan
Shri Udit Narayan Jha, a Bollywood icon for over 45 years, has enchanted audiences with his voice across numerous iconic songs. He has sung for legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rajinikanth, and Chiranjeevi. His musical journey began with Mohammad Rafi in Unnees-Bees, but his breakthrough came with "Papa Kehte Hain" from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Narayan has since recorded over 20,000 songs and received accolades including the Padma Shri (2009), Padma Bhushan (2016), and three National Awards. His impressive repertoire also includes five Filmfare Awards.
IPS Krsihna Prakash
Krishna Prakash is an exceptional Indian civil services officer renowned for his remarkable achievements in both public service and endurance sports. In his career, he has tackled significant challenges, including left-wing extremism, dacoities, and communal tensions, restoring peace in Maharashtra. Prakash is notable for completing the Ironman Triathlon in France, becoming the first Indian civil servant to do so.
Dr. Avinash Pol
Dr. Avinash Pol is a dentist by degree and a 'Water Doctor' by heart. For a decade, he practised as a successful dentist in the Satara district of Maharashtra and was moved by the stories of many of his patients, who were struggling with drought, poverty and lack of knowledge on government schemes and benefits. In the late 90s, he began his journey in rural social transformation and it has been 25 years since he has been tirelessly working to improve the lives and futures of rural populations of Maharashtra.
Dr. Ragini Parekh
Dr. Ragini Hasmukhray Parekh, a leading ophthalmologist with 56 years of experience, has performed over 80,000 eye surgeries and examined more than 1 million patients. She was awarded the 100 Women Achievers Award by President Pranab Mukherjee in 2016. Dr. Parekh has significantly impacted rural and tribal communities in Maharashtra through more than 500 medical camps and dedicated 18 years to treating leprosy patients at Anandwan, Baba Amte’s ashram. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Parekh has received over 50 awards for her contributions to community ophthalmology.
Mr. Praveen Tyagi
Mr. Praveen Tyagi, an IIT Delhi alumnus from a small village in Ghaziabad, has profoundly impacted thousands of students through his pioneering educational ventures. In 1999, he founded PACE IIT & Medical in Mumbai, which has consistently produced top rankers in competitive exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and medical entrance tests. Under his mentorship, PACE alumni have achieved significant success, including notable figures such as Parag Agrawal, CEO of Twitter, and Harsh Pareek, a research scientist at Facebook.
Dr. Mickey Mehta
Dr. Mickey Mehta, a globally recognized holistic health guru and corporate spiritual coach, boasts an illustrious career spanning 53 years in yoga and 44 years in professional practice. Honored with the Jagran Award in June 2024 as the "Pioneer of Holistic Health in India" and celebrated as the ‘Health and Wellness Icon of India’ by the Times of India, Dr. Mehta is renowned for his contributions to holistic wellness. His accolades include the Pioneer in Holistic Health Award in Switzerland. An accomplished author with four books published and more in progress, he has also penned medical research articles in leading journals.
Dr. Shipra Dhar
Dr. Shipra Dhar, after completing her studies, established a nursing home where she noticed a troubling trend: the birth of a girl child was often met with disappointment rather than joy. To address this societal mindset, Dr. Shipra and her husband, Dr. Manoj, launched the initiative "Beti Nahi Hai Bojh, Aao Badale Soch" in July 2014. They decided to offer free deliveries for all girl children at their hospital, a move that has since welcomed 616 girls into the world without financial burden. Beyond this, Dr. Shipra is committed to aiding the underprivileged by providing free primary education to 40 disadvantaged girls.
Mr. Atul Gera
Atul Gera, widely recognized as the "Blood Man of Jharkhand," is a distinguished founder of Life Savers of Ranchi and advocate for patients living with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia. Over the past 15 years, Atul has played a pivotal role in numerous social organizations, including Lifesavers Ranchi, Jharkhand Thalassaemia Foundation, and Jharkhand Sickle Cell Foundation. His unwavering commitment to voluntary blood donation has been instrumental in conducting over 2000 drives for government blood banks, with Atul himself contributing blood more than 100 times.
Miss Nishita Rajput
Nishita Rajput is a dedicated social activist with a profound commitment to education and empowerment. Over the past 14 years, she has been actively involved in the "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" initiative, focusing on the future of underprivileged students. Nishita has contributed a remarkable Rs 5.34 crores to cover the school fees of 47,000 students, with a goal to assist 10,000 more students this year by depositing Rs 1 crore. In addition to her work in education, Nishita supports senior citizens by providing free tiffin services daily to 240 lonely seniors, ensuring they feel cared for.
Mr. Nilesh Mandelwala
​Nilesh Mandlewala's remarkable dedication to organ donation began after the tragic kidney failure of his father in 2004. Fueled by personal loss, he launched a groundbreaking organ donation movement in 2005, aiming to address the widespread ignorance about organ donation in India. Despite enduring seven years of dialysis and losing his father in 2011, Nilesh remained resolute in his mission. He chose not to seek a kidney for his father through his own initiative, embodying his commitment to selfless service.
Dr. Milind Kirtane
Since 1974, Dr. Milind Kirtane has made remarkable contributions to ear microsurgery across India. He has conducted surgeries in various states, including West Bengal, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and more. With over 1,000 patients treated in outreach camps, Dr. Kirtane has been instrumental in training local ENT surgeons in advanced microsurgical techniques. This has empowered local practitioners to provide specialized care within their communities, alleviating the need for patients to travel to major cities.
Mr. Shekhar Suman
Shekhar Suman began his film career in 1984 with the movie Utsav and has since established himself as a prominent figure in Indian cinema. His latest project, Heeramandi, features him in the significant role of Zulfiqar, showcasing his continued versatility and depth as an actor. Over the years, he has received several accolades, including awards for Best Anchor for Movers & Shakers, Best Anchor for Carry On Shekhar, and Best Comedian for the film Chor Machaye Shor. Suman is also well-regarded as a television host, having served as a judge on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Comedy Circus, and Comedy Superstar.
Shri. Deepak Mukut
Deepak Mukut is a prolific Indian film producer and distributor with over 30 years in the media and entertainment industry. As the founder of Soham Rockstar Entertainment and Jhoom Jhoom Media, he has significantly impacted the industry, including pioneering film promotions on satellite TV. With rights to over 600 Hindi films across various platforms, Mukut maintains strong relationships with major channels like Star, Sony, and Zee.