Dr. Gambir Singh Yonzone: The “Mountain Man” Honoured with the Padma Shri

KalimNews, May 25, 2026 :  On 25 May 2026, the distinguished botanist, educationist, and environmentalist Gambir Singh Yonzone was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He received the honour in the field of Literature and Education, bringing immense pride to the Indian Nepali and Gorkha communities across the Himalayan region.

Born in Sinji, a picturesque village in Kalimpong, Dr. Yonzone devoted his entire life to the advancement of education, scientific research, and environmental conservation. Popularly known as the “Mountain Man,” he emerged as one of the pioneering scholars of the Eastern Himalayas and became the first Indian Nepali to earn both an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Botany. His academic brilliance, humility, and lifelong dedication established him as one of the most respected intellectual figures of the region.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Yonzone served as the Head of the Department of Botany at Kalimpong College, inspiring generations of students through his scholarship, discipline, and visionary leadership. At a time when opportunities for higher scientific education in the hills were limited, he worked tirelessly to strengthen science education and create academic opportunities for students from remote Himalayan communities. His efforts opened pathways for countless young scholars to pursue higher studies and research.

Beyond academics, Dr. Yonzone made extraordinary contributions to environmental conservation. Deeply connected to the fragile ecology of the Himalayas, he conducted extensive research on Himalayan flora, biodiversity, and mountain ecosystems. His efforts played a significant role in promoting the establishment and preservation of the renowned Singalila National Park and Neora Valley National Park, two of India’s most important biodiversity reserves. Through his scientific advocacy, he emphasized the urgent need to protect rare Himalayan plant species and preserve ecological balance for future generations.

As Chairman of the Darjeeling Society for Education, Research and Development (DSERD), Dr. Yonzone also championed social awareness, sustainable development, and educational empowerment in the Darjeeling hills. His work successfully bridged science and society, combining academic excellence with a profound commitment to humanity and nature.

The conferment of the Padma Shri upon Dr. Gambir Singh Yonzone is not merely recognition of an individual achievement; it is a celebration of a lifetime dedicated to knowledge, environmental stewardship, and public service. His inspiring journey from the remote hills of Kalimpong to the grand halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan stands as a beacon of inspiration for future generations across India and the Himalayan world.

The Padma Awards of India honour individuals whose extraordinary service enriches society, culture, science, literature, sports, and humanity. Among the recipients from the Indian Nepali, Gorkha, Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepalese communities are several remarkable personalities whose contributions extend far beyond the fields for which they were officially recognized. Their lifelong dedication has strengthened regional identity, preserved endangered traditions, promoted education, and inspired generations throughout the Himalayan region and beyond.

Among the earlier recipients of this prestigious honour, Kaajee Singh of Kalimpong made contributions that extended far beyond musical performance. He dedicated his life to preserving traditional Nepali folk instruments and indigenous musical traditions such as the Naumati Baja. At a time when modern entertainment threatened folk culture, he travelled extensively to document, preserve, and teach traditional rhythms to younger generations. His efforts revitalized Nepali folk heritage and strengthened the cultural identity of Indian Gorkhas.

The contributions of Eklabya Sharma of Kurseong extended into environmental diplomacy and sustainable mountain development. Through his leadership at International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, he worked extensively on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood protection for Himalayan communities across South Asia. His research and policy initiatives brought global attention to the environmental challenges faced by mountain ecosystems and indigenous populations.

In literature, Sanu Lama of Sikkim enriched Indian-Nepali literature through novels, poetry, essays, and translations reflecting the realities, emotions, and aspirations of Nepali-speaking communities. His writings helped establish Nepali literature as an integral part of Indian literary culture. Beyond authorship, he mentored emerging writers and promoted literary forums that encouraged creative expression among youth.

Likewise, Lil Bahadur Chhetri of Assam made profound contributions to modern Nepali literature. His novels portrayed rural life, migration, social inequality, and human struggle with deep realism and compassion. Through his literary works, he gave voice to marginalized communities and preserved the linguistic richness of Nepali-speaking Indians.

The humanitarian work of Sanduk Ruit of Nepal transformed global eye care. Beyond developing affordable cataract surgery techniques, he established systems for low-cost intraocular lens production, making treatment accessible to poor populations across Asia and Africa. His outreach camps restored sight to countless individuals living in remote mountain villages, representing a powerful combination of medical innovation and humanitarian service.

Equally inspiring is Anuradha Koirala, whose organization Maiti Nepal has rescued thousands of women and children from trafficking and exploitation. Alongside rehabilitation services, she advocated for legal reforms, education, and cross-border cooperation to combat human trafficking, transforming public awareness regarding women’s rights and child protection in South Asia.

In the field of performing arts and cultural preservation, Naren Gurung worked tirelessly to document and revive traditional Sikkimese and Nepali folk dances, songs, and oral traditions. Through performances, training programmes, and cultural organizations, he ensured that younger generations remained connected to their heritage.

Traditional craftsmanship found a dedicated guardian in Jorden Lepcha of Sikkim, whose commitment to Lepcha weaving and bamboo artistry helped preserve endangered indigenous skills. By teaching these crafts to younger artisans, he strengthened community identity while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Sports personalities from these communities also made remarkable social contributions. Bhaichung Bhutia not only elevated Indian football internationally but also inspired countless youths from the Himalayan region to pursue sports professionally. Through football academies and social initiatives, he promoted discipline, fitness, and national integration. Similarly, Tarundeep Rai emerged as a symbol of perseverance and dedication, motivating aspiring archers from rural and tribal backgrounds.

The artistic legacy of Danny Denzongpa of Sikkim extends far beyond cinema. His success in the Indian film industry opened doors for greater representation of Himalayan communities in mainstream media. Through decades of acting, he became an enduring icon of professionalism, versatility, and cultural pride.

The contributions of Ren Sonam Tshering Lepcha of Kalimpong and Hilda Mit Lepcha of Sikkim were equally significant in preserving indigenous Lepcha music, dance, language, and oral traditions. Their efforts helped protect cultural expressions that were increasingly threatened by modernization.

Together, these Padma Award recipients represent not only individual excellence but also the resilience, creativity, and cultural richness of Himalayan communities. Their contributions in education, environmental conservation, social reform, cultural preservation, literature, sports, and humanitarian service have enriched both India and Nepal. Through their work, they have preserved heritage, empowered marginalized communities, and inspired future generations to contribute meaningfully to society.

Several distinguished personalities of Nepali origin from West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and Nepal have received prestigious Padma Awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to literature, education, arts, science, sports, social work, and public affairs.

Chronological List of Awardees

• Lt. Col. Maharaj Kumar Palden Thondup Namgyal (1954) — Awarded the Padma Bhushan in Public Affairs.
• Sonam Gyatso (1962 & 1965) — Awarded the Padma Shri (1962) and later the Padma Bhushan (1965) for his outstanding achievements in mountaineering and sports, including summiting Mount Everest.
• Sonam Wangyal (1965) — Awarded the Padma Shri for contributions to Sports
• Nirmal Chandra SInha (1971) —  Awarded the Padma Shri for contributions to Literature and Education.
• Phu Dorjee (1985) —  Awarded the Padma Shri for contributions to Sports
• Danny Denzongpa (2003) — Awarded the Padma Shri for his notable contributions to the Indian film industry and arts.
• Gadul SIngh Lama (Sanu Lama) (2005) — Awarded the Padma Shri for his foundational contributions to Indian-Nepali literature, prose, poetry, and translation. 
• Ren Sonam Tshering Lepcha (2007) — Awarded the Padma Shri in Art for reviving and popularizing Lepcha music and folklore.
• Bhaichung Bhutia (2008) — Awarded the Padma Shri for his outstanding achievements in Football and Sports.
• Keepu Tshering Lepcha (2009) —  Awarded the Padma Shri for contributions to Social Work.
• Norden Tshering Bhutia (2009) —  Awarded the Padma Shri for contributions to Literature and Education.
• Kedar Gurung (2012) —  Awarded the Padma Shri for contributions to Literature and Education.
• Hilda Mit Lepcha (2013) — Awarded the Padma Shri in Art.
• Anuradha Koirala (2017) — Awarded the Padma Shri for her lifelong dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating victims of human trafficking through Maiti Nepal.
• Birkha Bahadur Subba Muringla (2017) — Awarded the Padma Shri for contributions to Literature and Education.
• Sanduk Ruit (2018) — Awarded the Padma Shri for pioneering affordable cataract surgery techniques that restored sight to millions.
• Droupadi Ghimiray (2019) — Awarded the Padma Shri in Social Work.
• Lil Bahadur Chhetri (2020) — The acclaimed litterateur from Assam received the Padma Shri for his contributions to Literature and Education.
• Tarundeep Rai (2020) — Awarded the Padma Shri in Sports for excellence in Archery.
• Kaajee Singh (2022) — Awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to Arts, particularly for preserving Nepali folk music and the traditional Naumati Baja.
• Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia (2022) — Awarded the Padma Shri for contributions to Art.
• Tularam Upreti (2023) — Awarded the Padma Shri for distinguished contributions to Agriculture.
• Eklabya Sharma (2024) — Awarded the Padma Shri in Science and Engineering. Originally from Kurseong, he served as Deputy Director General of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.
• Jorden Lepcha (2024) — Awarded the Padma Shri for preserving the traditional Lepcha art of weaving hats (Sumok Thyaktuk) and bamboo craftsmanship.
• Naren Gurung (2025) — Awarded the Padma Shri for safeguarding and promoting Nepali folk literature, music, and dance traditions.
• Gambir Singh Yonzone (2026) — Awarded the Padma Shri for Literature and Education. The renowned botanist from Kalimpong, popularly known as the “Mountain Man,” played a pioneering role in higher education and conservation efforts, including the establishment of Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks.