New Delhi, Jan. 25 -- The list of this year's Padma awardees includes many "unsung heroes" who have contributed to society in their own ways. A former bus conductor who established the world's largest free-access library, a paediatrician who set up Asia's first human milk bank, and a 90-year-old artiste known for playing a rare musical instrument are among the 45 people from across the country named Padma Shri awardees by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government in the 'unsung heroes' category.

"From doctors working on local health challenges like haemophilia to a neonatologist who set up India's first human milk bank; from preserving India's indigenous heritage and promoting national integration in border states to promoting tribal language...