30 unsung heroes awarded Padma Shri

A 100-year old freedom fighter from Goa, a Dhak player from West Bengal who trained 150 women in the male-dominated field and India's first woman puppeteers are among 30 unsung heroes who were awarded Padma Shri, a government statement said on Saturday.

Libia Lobo Sardesai, who played an important role in Goa's freedom movement, cofounded an underground radio station — 'Voz da Liberdabe (Voice of Freedom)' — in a forested area in 1955 to rally people against the Portuguese rule.

She has been awarded the Padma Shri by the President on the occasion of 76th Republic DayRepublic DayRepublic Day.

Also among the awardees is Gokul Chandra Dey, a 57-year old Dhak player from West Bengal who broke the gender stereotype by training 150 women in the male-dominated field.