A beacon of compassion and community upliftment, Ms. Parbati Baruah has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri for her exceptional contributions to social work in Assam. With over four decades of unwavering commitment, she has touched thousands of lives—especially among women, children, and marginalized communities.
Since the 1980s, Ms. Baruah has spearheaded a wide range of impactful programs across rural Assam:
- Self-help groups & microcredit: Enabled women to create livelihoods through sewing, weaving, and local entrepreneurship.
- Education & scholarship support: Assisted hundreds of underprivileged children with tuition fees, study materials, and mentorship.
- Health and sanitation drives: Led hygiene workshops, mobile medical camps, and clean-water projects in remote villages.
Her efforts brought practical solutions and systemic change to communities often overlooked by mainstream development programs.
A champion of women’s empowerment, Ms. Baruah has hosted training for leadership, financial literacy, and health awareness. Her school-intervention programs have emphasized digital literacy and STEM education—preparing rural youth to step confidently into the future.
The Padma Shri is a testament to Ms. Baruah’s sustenance of hope, dignity, and agency among Assam’s vulnerable populations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded her initiative, stating:
“Ms. Parbati Baruah’s life exemplifies selfless service. She has brought education, empowerment, and equity to those who needed it most.”
From sewing machines to scholarships, health drives to leadership—Ms. Parbati Baruah’s work has woven a safety net across Assam, ensuring every life she touched has the chance to thrive.
