Serving tribals for 37 years, Godbole couple awarded Padma Shri
What's the story
Dr. Ramchandra Godbole and his wife, Sunita, have been honored with the Padma Shri for their relentless service to tribal communities in Chhattisgarh. Originally from Maharashtra, the couple has been working in the Bastar and Abujhmad regions since 1990, providing free medical care, health awareness, and nutritional support. Despite being a Naxal-affected region with poor health facilities and education at that time, they dedicated themselves to serving the tribal population. And they have remained committed to that resolution to this day.
Community impact
Trust and teamwork
Their work often takes them to remote villages that lack basic infrastructure, such as roads and electricity. Through their initiative 'Trust for Health," the couple has been working to increase awareness about health and fight malnutrition. They walk kilometers through forests to reach these hamlets, providing free treatment and advice. Dr. Godbole, an Ayurvedic physician, is affectionately called "Doctor Bhaiya" by villagers who trust him deeply. Sunita works with tribal women on pregnancy care, child care, nutrition, and health practices.
Doctor
Empowering tribal women
Dr. Godbole, a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) graduate, has treated over one lakh patients in his nearly 37 years of service. His work goes beyond just providing medicines; he also educates people about hygiene, nutrition, and healthy living. Sunita, who holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, has been instrumental in empowering tribal women through education on pregnancy care, nutrition, and hygiene. Her work has led many women to adopt regular health check-ups and proper nutrition.
Initiatives
'I have never considered service as a business'
The couple also runs several programs in collaboration with the Vanvasi Vikas Samiti (Tribal Development Committee), including the MAAS scheme for malnourished and anemic children. Dr. Godbole once said, "I have never considered service as a business." He added, "The tribal person sitting in front of me is God to me," highlighting his devotion to serving the community.
National honor
A moment of pride for Chhattisgarh
The Padma Shri awards for 2026 were announced on the eve of Republic Day, with a total of 113 recipients across India. The Godboles were recognized jointly for their contributions to medical services in tribal and remote regions. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called this inclusion a "matter of pride for the state." President Droupadi Murmu will present the Padma Awards for the year 2026 on May 25.