Tribal scholars honoured with Ratnasinhji Mahida Awards

Vadodara: Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday conferred the first Ratnasinhji Mahida Memorial Awards on two eminent personalities from India's tribal communities, recognizing their exceptional contributions in the fields of education and language.
The awards were presented to Professor Madhukar S Padvi, the first vice-chancellor of Birsa Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla, and Dr S Prasanna See, professor of English at Andhra University, who is internationally acclaimed as the first woman to create alphabets for several Indian tribal languages.
The award has been instituted by renowned artist Virajkumari Mahida in memory of her grandfather, Ratnasinhji Mahida, a pioneering educationist and social reformer known for his lifelong dedication to tribal welfare. The initiative aims to honour individuals from indigenous communities whose work embodies the values of education, empowerment and social justice.
Held on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, the award ceremony took place in Rajpipla, in the presence of several dignitaries including members of the erstwhile Rajpipla royal family, Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava and actor and former MP Nitish Bharadwaj.
At the event, the CM said, "Hanuman Jayanti is a day to reflect on selfless service and today we remember Karmayogi Ratnasinhji Mahida, who dedicated his life to the upliftment of tribal communities."
He further noted the symbolic timing of the award's launch: "As we mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, it is a meaningful coincidence that we honour distinguished achievers from tribal communities."
Virajkumari Mahida, who conceptualized the awards, spoke about her grandfather's enduring legacy. "True service must be without expectation and my grandfather lived that ideal. This award is a tribute to his spirit and a celebration of those who continue his work."
Manvendrasinh Gohil, scion of the Rajpipla royal family and a member of the award's selection committee, highlighted Ratnasinhji Mahida's transformative impact. "He inspired an educational movement that empowered generations of tribal youth. His partnership with the royal family shaped a brighter future for many."
During the event, five meritorious students from institutions established by Ratnasinhji Mahida were gifted laptops in recognition of their academic achievements. The event was supported by ONGC and Lakshya Foundation.
The Ratnasinhji Mahida Memorial Award will be conferred annually to outstanding individuals from tribal communities whose work reflects the values championed by the late reformer.