New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to read the inspiring stories of Padma Awardees and, thereby draw inspiration from them.

Addressing the first Mann Ki Baat episode of 2023, he said, "This time there has been a good representation of the tribal community and people associated with tribal life among the Padma awardees.”

"Various people from tribal areas- painters, musicians, farmers, artisans - have been conferred with the Padma Awards. Many dignitaries who have worked on tribal languages like Toto, Ho, Kui, Kuvi and Manda have received Padma Awards. Dhani Ram Toto, Janum Singh Soy and B. Ramakrishna Reddy Ji ... the whole country has become familiar with these names... I urge all countrymen to read their inspiring stories," he said.

The Prime Minister said the tribal communities have been an integral part of our land and heritage and their contribution to the development of the country and society is very important.

"Honouring the personalities who worked for them, will also inspire the new generation. This year the echoes of the Padma Awards are being heard even in those areas which used to be Naxal affected," he added.

"Due to their efforts, those who show the right path to the misguided youth in Naxalite affected areas have been honoured with Padma awards. For this, Ajay Kumar Mandavi, who does wood carving in Kanker, and Parshuram Komaji Khune, associated with the famous Jharipatti Rangbhoomi of Gadchiroli, have also received this honour," Modi said.

"Similarly, Ramkuiwangbe Niume, Bikram Bahadur Jamatia and Karma Wangchu, who are involved in the preservation of their culture in the North-East, have also been honoured," he added.

Modi said this time among the Padma awardees are those people who have expertise in spreading the melody of traditional musical instruments like Santoor, Bamhum and Dwitara.

"Ghulam Mohammad Zaz, Moa Su-Pong, Ri-Singhbor Kurka-Long, Muni-Venkatappa and Mangal Kanti Rai are just a few of the names that are being discussed all around," he said.

The Prime Minister said that many Padma awardees are those friends among us, who always kept the country paramount, dedicating their lives to the principle of Nation first.

"They remained engaged in their work with devotion and never expected any reward for it. The satisfaction on the face of those for whom they are working is the biggest award for them," he said.

"The pride of our countrymen has risen by honouring such dedicated people. I may not be able to take the names of all the Padma awardees here, but I definitely request you to know in detail about the inspirational life of these Padma awardees and tell others as well," he added. 

(With UNI inputs)