Recognising a lifetime of selfless service and dedication to community upliftment, the Government of India has honoured Shri Somanna from Karnataka with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his exceptional work in the field of Social Work.
A humble yet powerful force in grassroots development, Shri Somanna has spent decades working among marginalized communities in rural Karnataka, championing causes such as education, rural health, women’s empowerment, and social justice. His work is deeply rooted in Gandhian principles and guided by a vision to bring meaningful change at the village level.
From establishing learning centres for underprivileged children to organizing healthcare camps in remote areas, and facilitating skill development for women and youth, Shri Somanna has touched countless lives through his quiet but impactful leadership.
Colleagues and beneficiaries describe him as a “people’s worker” — someone who listens deeply and acts decisively. His unwavering commitment, even in the face of limited resources, has turned him into a beacon of hope for many underserved communities.
Reacting to the honour, Shri Somanna said, “This award is not mine alone. It belongs to every person who walked beside me in the journey to build a more equal and compassionate society.”
Civil society organisations, fellow activists, and citizens across Karnataka have hailed the recognition, calling it a “well-deserved tribute to a life lived in service of others.”
With the conferment of the Padma Shri, the nation celebrates Shri Somanna’s unwavering spirit of service, reaffirming that real change begins at the grassroots.
