Octogenarian social worker from Amravati, Shankar Baba Papalkar, has been awarded the Padma Shri in the field of social work.
The 81-year-old social worker Shankar Baba Papalkar has devoted his life to the welfare and rehabilitation of Divyang, orphaned and destitute children. He runs an ‘Ashram’ devoted to destitute children at Wazzar in Amravati district. Currently 123 orphans and mentally retarded children are living in his Ashram.
Shankar Baba said, “I dedicate this award to Divyang children. I would also try to take some of the children with me when I receive this award.”
“When I received a call from the Prime Minister’s office that I will be getting Padma Shri, I requested that I want to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This award is the pride of my country,” he added.
For the past several years, Shankar Baba has been seeking a law for the rehabilitation of mentally retarded and orphaned children above 18 years of age. He also said that he would try to meet PM Modi and would request him for this law.