In a proud moment for Maharashtra, Shri Chaitram Deochand Pawar, a dedicated tribal rights activist and environmentalist, has been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri 2025 in the field of Social Work. Hailing from the remote tribal village of Baripada in Sakri taluka, Dhule district, Pawar has spent over three decades transforming barren lands into green forests and water-starved villages into self-reliant communities.
Widely known for his grassroots leadership, Shri Pawar has led the construction of over 700 check dams and thousands of contour trenches, helping revive groundwater levels and improve agriculture in drought-prone areas. Under his guidance, more than 400 hectares of degraded forest land have been rejuvenated, now home to hundreds of native plant and animal species.
Through the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, which he heads, Pawar has empowered tribal communities in more than 100 villages across Maharashtra and Gujarat. His work focuses on sustainable farming, forest rights, youth leadership, and ecological restoration—all rooted in what he calls the “Panchasutri” philosophy: Water, Forest, Land, People, and Wildlife.
Despite national recognition, Shri Pawar remains deeply humble. A viral moment recently showed him carrying his own luggage on his head at a railway station, exemplifying the simplicity and grounded values that have defined his life’s mission.
Local communities, environmental organizations, and government officials have hailed his recognition as a Padma Shri awardee. His efforts have not only revived local ecosystems but have also created a replicable model for sustainable, community-driven development in tribal regions.
Shri Chaitram Pawar’s life stands as a powerful example of how grassroots dedication, driven by empathy and vision, can restore harmony between people and nature.
