What is the name of that 70-year-old woman from Odisha who was awarded the Padma Shri Award for the work of conserving hundreds of varieties of paddy seeds throughout her life?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Kamala Pujari

Explanation:

• Kamala Pujari, a tribal woman from the Koraput district of Odisha, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 for her outstanding contribution to agriculture.

• She is widely recognized for her lifelong dedication to the conservation of indigenous seeds, particularly hundreds of traditional varieties of paddy.

• Her efforts were not limited to just collecting seeds; she also mobilized and educated villagers to shift from chemical-based farming back to organic farming.

• In 2002, she received the "Equator Initiative Award" in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting her impact on global biodiversity conservation.

• She was a member of the Odisha State Planning Board and has been a pioneer in preserving the state's rich agricultural heritage.

Information Booster:

• Kamala Pujari belongs to the Paraja tribal community of Odisha.

• She has been instrumental in preserving endangered seeds such as the Kalajeera rice, which is known for its distinct aroma and nutritional value.

Additional Knowledge:

S. Thimakka (Option a)

• Also known as Saalumarada Thimakka, she is an environmentalist from Karnataka.

• She was awarded the Padma Shri for planting and tending to 385 banyan trees along a four-kilometer highway stretch.

Harika Dronavalli (Option c)

• She is a prominent Indian Chess Grandmaster.

• She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 for her contributions to the field of sports.

Muktaben Pankajkumar Dagali (Option d)

• She is a social worker from Gujarat who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019.

• She is the founder of the M.N. Mehta Charitable Trust and is known for her work in empowering visually impaired individuals.