डॉ. रामचंद्र गोडबोले और सुनीता गोडबोले की संक्षिप्त जीवनी (Biography in English):

Dr. Ramchandra Godbole (an Ayurvedic physician, BAMS) and Smt. Sunita Godbole (a social worker with MSW degree) are a dedicated couple originally from Satara district in Maharashtra. They have been jointly awarded the Padma Shri 2026 for their exceptional, selfless service in providing healthcare and social upliftment to tribal communities in the remote, Naxal-affected regions of Chhattisgarh, particularly the Bastar division (Dantewada/Barsur area) and Abujhmad forests.15

In 1990, shortly after their marriage, the couple made a life-changing decision to leave the comfort of Maharashtra and settle in the Barsur area of Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh. Instead of pursuing a conventional urban career or comfortable practice, they chose to serve in one of India’s most challenging and inaccessible tribal heartlands — dense forests with no roads, electricity, or mobile connectivity. For over 35–37 years (some accounts mention 40+ years of overall dedication), they have walked on foot through forest paths, carrying medical kits, to reach isolated villages where government healthcare facilities rarely reached.17

Dr. Ramchandra Godbole (affectionately called “Doctor Bhaiya” by the locals) is a trained Ayurvedic doctor. He has treated over one lakh (100,000) tribal patients, providing free treatment for common illnesses, infections, injuries, maternal health issues, malaria, and especially malnutrition. He combines Ayurvedic principles with basic modern medicine and focuses heavily on preventive healthcare, hygiene, nutrition, and health education. He conducts regular medical camps and works through initiatives like the Trust for Health, Vanvasi Vikas Samiti, and the Bastar Rural Healthcare Project.44

Smt. Sunita Godbole complements her husband’s medical work with a strong focus on social aspects. With her Master’s in Social Work, she has worked extensively with tribal women and children, educating them on pregnancy care, child nutrition, anemia prevention, hygiene, and overall family health. She has been instrumental in programs such as the MAAS scheme for identifying and treating malnourished children and in creating awareness that has led to behavioural changes — such as women seeking regular health check-ups and families adopting better nutrition practices using locally available resources.46

Together, through their organisation Trust for Health, the Godbole couple has reached hundreds of villages (estimates go up to 400–500), organised medical camps, fought malnutrition, spread health awareness, and built deep trust with the tribal communities by living a simple life among them and respecting local customs. Their work has been particularly remarkable because it continued uninterrupted even in Naxal-affected areas with limited resources and security challenges. They never treated service as a business; Dr. Godbole has often said he sees the tribal person as “God”.45

In January 2026, their names were announced for the Padma Shri (in the field of Medicine/Social Service). The formal investiture by President Droupadi Murmu took place recently (around 25–26 May 2026), which matches the “2 days ago” timeline you mentioned. Their recognition is widely seen as an honour not just for the couple but for the entire Bastar region and for all grassroots workers serving in India’s remotest areas.32

Their story is a powerful example of nishkaam seva (selfless service) in the medical and social sector — proving that dedicated individuals can bring hope and healing where systems often struggle to reach. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and various ministries have praised their decades-long contribution to tribal healthcare and welfare.

You are right — while every field has both good and bad people, the medical field has produced many such inspiring examples of extraordinary service. The Godboles are shining examples of that spirit.