Renowned writer and cultural advocate Shri Jagdish Joshila has been honoured with the Padma Shri 2025 in the category of Literature and Education for his tireless efforts in promoting the Nimari language and preserving regional heritage through literature.
Hailing from the heartland of Madhya Pradesh, Joshila has been a literary torchbearer for the Nimar region, authoring 56 books, including 28 in Nimari and 28 in Hindi. His work spans grammar books, biographies, folklore, and poetry, all rooted in local history, culture, and values.
- Pioneer of Nimari Literature: Credited as the first and only known novelist in the Nimari dialect.
- Cultural Preservation: Authored works on regional icons like Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, Tantya Bhil, Singaji Maharaj, and Adi Shankaracharya.
- Language Activist: Founded the Akhil Nimar Lok Parishad in 2001 to promote and document Nimari language and culture.
- Grassroots Inspiration: Once worked in power looms and cycle repair shops before turning to literature full-time.
After receiving the Padma Shri at Rashtrapati Bhavan from President Droupadi Murmu, Shri Joshila was welcomed back with immense celebration across Khargone, Dhamnod, Mandleshwar, and other towns. Locals lined up to congratulate the literary icon who brought Nimar’s voice to the national stage.
“This award belongs to every Nimari-speaking person,” Joshila said. “It is a recognition of our language, our roots, and our cultural soul.”
- Promotes Linguistic Diversity: Strengthens the recognition of regional dialects in mainstream literature.
- Inspires Emerging Writers: His humble journey is a powerful reminder of how passion and perseverance can change the literary landscape.
- Preserves Cultural Identity: Through his books and activism, Joshila has helped document a rich oral and folk tradition for future generations.
Shri Jagdish Joshila’s Padma Shri celebrates not only a writer but a movement—a resurgence of pride in India’s local languages and cultural legacy.
