Recognizing decades of tireless dedication to the upliftment of marginalized communities, the Government of India has honoured Ms. Maya Tandon from Rajasthan with the Padma Shri award for her exemplary contributions in the field of Social Work.
A committed grassroots activist, Ms. Tandon has worked extensively in rural Rajasthan, focusing on women’s empowerment, child welfare, education, and healthcare access in remote and underserved regions. Her initiatives have touched thousands of lives, particularly among tribal and Dalit communities, helping bring dignity, opportunity, and voice to the voiceless.
Over the years, she has spearheaded programs to combat child marriage, improve maternal health, and support self-help groups for rural women, enabling them to become financially independent and socially confident. Her work blends compassion with action, often reaching areas where government schemes struggle to make an impact.
“Change begins with trust — and trust is earned by walking beside people through their struggles,” Ms. Tandon said, responding humbly to the honour.
Her organization, founded two decades ago, continues to collaborate with NGOs, panchayats, and state institutions to deliver sustainable development with a focus on grassroots leadership and community ownership.
Social activists and civil society groups across the country have celebrated the award as a recognition of silent yet powerful work done at the heart of rural India.
By conferring the Padma Shri on Ms. Maya Tandon, the nation acknowledges a life devoted to justice, inclusion, and the upliftment of society’s most vulnerable.
