Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Saturday presented the inaugural Ratnasinhji Mahida Memorial Awards to two eminent tribal achievers — Prof. (Dr.) Madhukar S. Padvi, the first Vice Chancellor of Birsa Munda Tribal University, Rajpipla, and Dr. S. Prasanna See, Professor of English at Andhra University, who is globally recognised as the first woman to have devised alphabets for numerous Indian tribal languages.
Instituted by renowned artist Virajkumari Mahida in memory of her grandfather, the late Shri Ratnasinhji Mahida, the award honours exceptional contributions by individuals from indigenous communities. The ceremony, held in Rajpipla on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, was attended by dignitaries including the Chief Minister, members of the Rajpipla royal family, Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava, and actor and former MP Dr. Nitish Bharadwaj, among others.
Ratnasinhji Mahida, a distinguished educationist and social reformer, dedicated his life to uplifting tribal communities. With support from the royal family of Rajpipla, he established 72 educational institutions, including ashramshalas, hostels, schools, and colleges, providing free education and support to underprivileged tribal children. His work laid the foundation for tribal empowerment across the region.
The Ratnasinhji Mahida Memorial Award will be presented annually to outstanding individuals from tribal communities whose work reflects the values championed by Ratnasinhji Mahida education, empowerment and social justice. The initiative aims to highlight unsung tribal achievers, inspire younger generations, and reinforce the state’s commitment to inclusive development.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “As we also mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, it is a meaningful coincidence that this award recognises distinguished achievers from tribal communities. I congratulate Viraj Mahida for this inspiring initiative, which will encourage further efforts toward tribal empowerment. It is especially fitting that the inaugural awards have been conferred upon individuals working in the field of education.”
Virajkumari Mahida, who conceptualised the award, said, “My grandfather Ratnasinhji Mahida embodied the spirit of selfless service throughout his life. True service must be without expectation, and he was its living example. With the Ratnasinhji Mahida Award, we honour his legacy and celebrate those carrying it forward.”
Award recipient Prof. S. Prasanna Sree has contributed to the field of education for over three decades, receiving several national and international honours and publishing 32 books. Prof. (Dr.) Madhukar Padvi, who has authored six books over his 35-year academic career and published numerous papers, was a student of an educational institute set up by Ratnasinhji Mahida.
