Pune: The Padma Shri awards, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, announced on Sunday has recognised two distinguished achievers from Maharashtra — progressive cotton researcher Shrirang Lad of Parbhani and industrial entrepreneur Ashok Khade of Sangli.Lad and Khade’s journeys are rooted in perseverance, innovation and social impact, reflecting the spirit of grassroots transformation.An 80-year-old farmer and leader of Malsona village in Parbhani district of Marathwada, Lad was conferred the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to cotton research. He comes from a humble farming background and has spent over four decades experimenting in his fields to improve cotton productivity and profitability — directly benefiting thousands of farmers across the region.
He is fondly known as ‘Dada’ among cultivators. Lad developed a scientific and practical package of practices for cotton — including pruning, topping, high-density planting, drip irrigation and mulching. The innovations helped reduce costs, increase yields and stabilise farm incomes in an otherwise distress-prone cotton belt.Lad told TOI: “I am happy with the honour bestowed upon me. It will help spread awareness about the technology of cotton cultivation. I hope people will benefit from my work and unfortunate incidents like farmer suicides will be prevented.”An active RSS volunteer since 1970, Lad currently serves as the organisational head of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh in Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat. In recognition of his academic contribution to agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani, recently conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree on him.Entrepreneur Khade was selected for the Padma Shri in the industry and trade category for building a globally competitive industrial enterprise from extremely modest beginnings. Khade was born in a Dalit family in Ped village of Tasgaon tehsil in Sangli district. He recalled growing up in acute poverty, with his mother being a daily wage worker to ensure that her six children did not go to sleep hungry.Today, Khade heads a diversified industrial group that provides platforms for undersea oil and gas transportation and has also ventured into shipbuilding. His company employs around 4,000 workers currently.Khade dedicated the award to his mother and family. “My contribution is minuscule. It is because of my mother and my brothers that I am who I am. I believe the award also represents the journey of a Dalit who rose despite discrimination and will inspire many from non-privileged backgrounds to become entrepreneurs,” he added.Meanwhile, Ramchandra Godbole and his wife Sunita Godbole (Puranik), dedicated workers of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and serving in Chhattisgarh, were also conferred the Padma Shri award. Godbole was born and educated in Satara and Sunita in Pune.Over the last 35 years, the couple has devoted their lives to bringing tribal communities into the mainstream by implementing projects in medical care, education, prevention of child malnutrition, women’s awareness and health, national identity, student hostels and community organisation, among others. They were actively involved in various social service initiatives even during their student years.
