Lucknow, Jan 26 (IANS): RK Dhiman, Director, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, is among the prominent persons awarded Padma Shri along with 11 others from Uttar Pradesh.

"I am very happy to know that my work is getting recognised. My work in eradication of Hepatitis C in 22 districts of Punjab, Covid management in Lucknow and starting organ donation campaign by setting up SOTTO has been recognised by the government. This award will inspire me to work harder," said Dhiman.

Babu Ram Yadav, brass Marori craftsperson from Moradabad, said, "My art has won me a great recognition. I am happy about the award."

He has over six decades of experience in creating intricate brass artifacts using traditional crafting techniques.

Ram Chet Chaudhary, 79, is a Gorakhpur-based retired agricultural scientist who has been awarded the Padma Shri in science and engineering category.

As per his X handle, he is currently working as the chairman in Participatory Rural Development Foundation, an NGO in Gorakhpur. He is known for his work in 'Kala Namak' rice promotion.

Born on November 8, 1944, he taught in various agricultural universities in India and went on to study in Germany. His works on agriculture have been published across the world and form part of the curriculum in many Indian agriculture universities.

It was on the suggestion of Chaudhary that permission was given to cultivate "black salt rice" in Uttar Pradesh.

Seeing its yield and utility, governor Anandiben Patel not only appreciated his idea but also honoured him at Raj Bhawan. "He has served in Pantnagar, Pusa, World Bank, IRRI and the UN," says the bio data in his twitter handle.