NEW DELHI – In a poignant ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 upon 15 exceptional nursing professionals. The awards, which coincide with International Nurses Day, recognize the tireless dedication, courage, and selfless service of those who form the backbone of India’s healthcare system.
The ceremony was attended by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, senior government officials, and members of the medical fraternity. This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” resonated deeply as the citations for each of the 15 awardees highlighted their extraordinary contributions, often under life-threatening conditions.
A Legacy of Service: The 15 Honorees
The 2026 awardees represent a diverse cross-section of India, from the high-altitude borders of Ladakh to the remote islands of Lakshadweep.
I. Guardians of Remote & Challenging Terrains
- Kulwinder Pahi (Ladakh): A Sub-Inspector with the ITBPF, recognized for 28 years of service in extreme high-altitude regions, ensuring medical care for both soldiers and civilians.
- Lalin Thangi Namte (Mizoram): Honored for 25 years of service in remote tribal areas, where she frequently traveled by foot and boat to deliver essential care.
- Puja Parmar Rana (Uttarakhand): Celebrated for achieving 100% COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the rugged Yamuna region of the Himalayas.
- Madhumala Gurung (Sikkim): Awarded for 38 years of dedicated service, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating local floods.
II. Excellence in Clinical Care & Innovation
- Ayesha Beevi K (Lakshadweep): Received high praise for a life-saving mid-flight emergency delivery of a high-risk patient during a transit.
- Poonam Verma (Chandigarh): A specialist at GMCH, recognized for her 20+ years of work in clinical excellence and the development of ICU Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Deepa Biju (Dadra and Nagar Haveli): Honored for 30 years of excellence in Operation Theatre (OT) management and medical staff training.
- Manju Mol VS (Kerala): Recognized for her courage during crises and her instrumental role in implementing COVID-19 safety protocols.
III. Community Impact & Public Health
- Geeta Karmakar (West Bengal): One of the most inspiring stories of the day; despite a 40% physical disability, she served for 40 years, often using a bicycle to reach 100% of her institutional delivery targets.
- Ujjwala Mahadeo Soyam (Maharashtra): Honored for her 24-year crusade in tribal areas to raise health awareness and combat female feticide.
- Dr. Shravan Kumar Dhaka (Delhi): Awarded for his 22-year career in public health and his leadership in managing one of the capital’s most successful vaccination programs.
- Raksha Rupo Parvatkar (Goa): Recognized for her 29 years of service, specifically her leadership in community health camps and awareness initiatives.
IV. Leadership & Education
- Major General Lisamma PV (New Delhi): The Additional Director General of Military Nursing Services was honored for four decades of visionary leadership in the Armed Forces.
- Professor Dr. R. Shankar Shanmugam (Tamil Nadu): A veteran educator who has been instrumental in the establishment of five nursing colleges across Tamil Nadu.
- Kavita Jagannath (Karnataka): Recognized for her 26 years of service and leadership at NIMHANS, particularly in specialized nursing training.
Recognition of the “Human Touch”
During the presentation, it was noted that the award—which includes a Medal, a Certificate, and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000—is more than just a professional accolade. It is a national acknowledgment of the “sensitive hands” and “fearless spirits” that navigate tribal conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics to save lives.
The Health Ministry emphasized that these 15 individuals represent the thousands of nursing professionals across India who continue to embody the spirit of Florence Nightingale, ensuring that no citizen is left without care, regardless of their location or status.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph at the Ashok Mandap, marking a historic day for Indian nursing.
