Veteran Gujarati Writer and Poet - with over 150 books to his credit

Renowned Assamese Singer from Tinsukia - popular as Jhumar Samrat

Manganiyar Folk Singer from Jodhpur known for his bhajans and sufi kalaams - one of few remaining masters of the Sindhi Sarangi

Indo-American Soil Scientist known for his work in soil conservation across 4 continents - winner of World Food Prize

Distinguished Handloom Artist from Patiala - promoting Phulkari embroidery for over 4 decades

Bangladesh Liberation War Heroine - Co-Founder of Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangstha and Chhayanaut, nurturing Bengali culture

String Puppeteer from Puducherry, performing for the last 4 decades - performances for educational purposes and social messages

Social Worker from Jalandhar who has been taking care of abandoned girls for 3 decades - after herself being abandoned as a child

Longest living commentator of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra - contributed to revival of dying art of Pala

Marathi Writer, Journalist and Teacher from Vidarbha - published over 15 novels and story collections furthering unity and convergence