Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Padma awards are intended to recognise individuals who dedicate their lives to public service without seeking recognition. Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar’ in Dudhala, Amreli district, Shah praised philanthropist Savjibhai Dholakia for his contribution to water conservation and highlighted his receipt of the Padma Shri.
Shah referred to Dholakia’s reported remark that he had not applied for the civilian honour. He noted that Dholakia had undertaken extensive water-conservation work, including the development of 208 lakes. Shah said national honours should recognise people whose contributions are evident through their work rather than depend on individuals seeking consideration for an award.
Shah stressed that civilian honours such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna were not intended for people receiving recognition because of family connections or personal familiarity. He described the awards as recognition for those who devote their lives to serving people and supporting the poor. The Central government conferred the Padma Shri on Dholakia in 2022 for Social Work, with the honour presented by then President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March that year.
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Dholakia, founder and chairman of Hari Krishna Exports, was recognised for his social initiatives and contribution to community welfare. His philanthropic activities have included water-conservation projects and the development of lakes in water-scarce parts of Gujarat. Shah said the construction of 208 lakes represented a significant contribution and helped encourage a wider culture of water conservation across the Saurashtra region.
Shah also highlighted initiatives undertaken by the Dholakia family’s foundation in South Gujarat. Recalling discussions with Rajya Sabha MP Govind Dholakia, he referred to work carried out in villages, including the construction of Hanuman temples, organisation of religious programmes and support for schools. Shah urged the group to consider expanding its initiatives beyond 250 villages to reach 1,100 villages across the region.
The Home Minister also recalled meeting students who had performed well academically and said he was particularly moved by tribal children reciting Sanskrit shlokas and Durga Stavan. He praised the Dholakia family’s approach to philanthropy and emphasised that wealth should be used for the benefit of others. Shah congratulated Dholakia and his team and expressed hope that their work would encourage further water-conservation efforts across Saurashtra and Gujarat.
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