Bengaluru, Jan 26 (NationPress) Dr. S.G. Susheelamma and Dr. Suresh Hanagavadi, honored with the prestigious Padma Shri awards from Karnataka, shared their inspiring journeys with IANS and emphasized their unwavering dedication to social service. Dr. Susheelamma, founder of the Sumangali Seva Ashrama in Bengaluru, has tirelessly advocated for women's empowerment, child protection, and rural development. Likewise, Dr. Suresh Hanagavadi, a professor at JJM Medical College and a key member of the Karnataka Haemophilia Society in Davanagere, has made significant contributions to society, making their awards a well-deserved acknowledgment of their efforts.

The Padma awardee, Dr. Susheelamma, expressed her profound joy and gratitude upon receiving the honor, sharing that her journey into social service began nearly 50 years ago with just Rs 15, one friend, and three children.

“I was unaware of the award until the announcement was made. I thanked God upon hearing the news. I feel immense happiness. My journey began 50 years ago with only Rs 15, one friend, and three children. Today, I take pride in being a mother to thousands. It brings me great satisfaction,” she stated.

Highlighting the importance of youth in nation-building, Dr. Susheelamma urged young individuals to engage actively in social work as India advances on the global front. She also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment to inclusive governance.

“Our nation is progressing rapidly. We appreciate the efforts of Prime Minister Modi. The moment a tribal woman was appointed as the President of India, we rejoiced,” she remarked.

Reaffirming her dedication to tribal welfare, Dr. Susheelamma shared that her organization is focused on the Magadi and Bandipur regions. “We have completed half the work in Magadi and aim to finish the remaining projects. Our goal is to ensure housing and employment for tribal communities. Everyone deserves access to housing, connectivity, education, and essential services,” she commented.

She added that her vision is to create an India free from poverty, where every citizen can access fundamental needs.

In another inspiring account, Dr. Suresh Hanagavadi expressed his surprise at receiving the recognition, acknowledging the government's role in honoring years of service to hemophilia patients.

“This award was unexpected for me, but I am grateful for the government's acknowledgment of our efforts. For the past 40 years, my team and I have dedicated ourselves to the welfare of hemophilia patients. We have come a long way from humble beginnings,” he said.

Dr. Hanagavadi pointed out that hemophilia was only recognized as a disability in 2016, and patients still face exclusion from certain employment benefits. He shared his personal motivation, revealing that he initially dreamed of being a pilot but changed his path after witnessing his uncle's suffering and death due to hemophilia.

“I watched him suffer until his last breath. I vowed to prevent others from experiencing what my uncle and I went through,” he said.

Discussing the services offered at his center, Dr. Hanagavadi outlined facilities such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and a blood bank, emphasizing that they provide fresh frozen plasma to patients with inherited bleeding disorders.

“As a community organization focused on bleeding disorders, we are dedicated to offering free treatment. Even though the government has issued guidelines for free blood and components for hemophilia and thalassemia patients, we ensure that anyone suffering from any inherited bleeding disorder receives treatment at our hospital without any cost,” he explained.

He also mentioned the provision of three meals a day for patients and their families, expressing gratitude to the philanthropists and donors who support this initiative.

“I am thankful to God for granting me the strength to establish a center devoted to rare disorders. I also extend my thanks to the Union government, the Prime Minister, and supportive bureaucrats for recognizing my work over the past 40 years. This honor adds to my responsibilities,” he said.

Having recently retired, Dr. Hanagavadi plans to focus on enhancing the quality and accessibility of blood banks through innovative strategies.

Eight individuals from Karnataka have been honored with the nation's highest civilian awards, including Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

For Shatavadhani R. Ganesh, receiving the Padma Bhushan award for 2026 is the pinnacle of recognition for the Bhajana tradition.

Similarly, the posthumous Padma Shri awarded to T.T. Jagannathan for his contributions to trade and industry stands as a significant acknowledgment.

Aerospace scientist Shubha Venkatesh Iyengar, book enthusiast Ankegowda, Shashi Shekhar Vempati, and Prabhakar Basavaprabhu Kore from literature and education also received these esteemed civilian awards.