Seraikela’s Champion Chami Murmu Honored with Padma Shri

Tribal Environmentalist Chami Murmu Recognized with Prestigious Award for Empowering Women

Chami Murmu, a tribal environmentalist and advocate for women’s empowerment from Seraikela-Kharsawan, will be honored with the Padma Shri Award on Republic Day for her significant contributions.

SERAIKELA – The Government of India has announced the Padma Shri award for Chami Murmu, a tribal environmentalist from Seraikela-Kharsawan district, in recognition of her extensive work in environmental conservation and women’s empowerment.

Known as ‘Seraikela’s associate’, 52-year-old Murmu has been instrumental in planting over 30 lakh trees with the help of 3,000 women, marking a significant achievement in environmental protection.

Through her NGO, Sahyogi Mahila, Murmu has launched impactful programs focusing on safe motherhood, anemia, malnutrition, and adolescent girls’ education, leading to far-reaching changes in community health and well-being.

Empowering Women and Environmental Conservation

Chami Murmu, also referred to as ‘Lady Tarzan’, has changed the lives of over 30,000 women by integrating them into Self Help Groups (SHGs), resulting in socio-economic improvements across more than 40 villages.

Her efforts have empowered women, providing them with employment opportunities and enhancing their social and economic status.

Additionally, Murmu has been actively involved in combating illegal logging, timber mafia, and Naxal activities, reinforcing her commitment to protecting wildlife and forests.

Recognition and Impact

Chami Murmu’s contributions have previously been recognized with the Nari Shakti Award by the President on International Women’s Day, reaffirming her role as a powerful agent of change.

Her journey demonstrates the significant impact an individual can have on their community, exemplifying the power of grassroots efforts in driving sustainable and inclusive development.

The Padma Shri award serves as a testament to Murmu’s relentless campaign for environmental stewardship and women’s empowerment, highlighting her as a symbol of resilience and commitment.