Bimla Poddar | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 August 1936 Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Died | 14 May 2025 (aged 88) |
| Occupation | Social worker, philanthropist |
| Known for | Philanthropy |
| Spouse(s) | Bimal Kumar Poddar |
| Awards | Padma Shri |
Bimla Poddar (28 August 1936 - 14 May 2025) [1] was an Indian social worker, businessperson, philanthropist and the founder of Jnana Pravaha,[2][3] affectionately known as Bari Ma.[4]
Early & Personal life[edit | edit source]
Bimla was born and brought up in Varanasi, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. She was married into a rich business family to late Bimal Kumar Poddar.[5] She was also known for her deep passion for classical music.[4]
Work[edit | edit source]
Bimla used to hold the directorship of many of the family concerns[6][7] which includes Ambuja Cements.[5] Jnana Pravaha is a Varanasi based centre for cultural studies founded by Poddar with Suresh Neotia, engaged in the efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of India.[8] Under the aegis of the organization, Poddar was involved in activities related to exploration of India's culture[9][10] and maintained a heritage museum housing artifacts from ancient India.[3][11]
Awards & Recognition[edit | edit source]
She was honoured by the Government of India in 2015 with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award.[12]
Death[edit | edit source]
Bimla passed away in Varanasi on May 14, 2025, just a few months before her 89th birthday in August. She was cremated in Varanasi.[4]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "A guiding light who will forever live in our hearts (a family Ad)". The Telegraph. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ↑ "Jnana Pravaha". Jnana Pravaha. 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Kamat". Kamat. 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Bimla Poddar, breathes her last in Varanasi on May 14 at the age of 88".
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Neotia family". Neotia family. 2015. Archived from the original on 20 June 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ "Zauba Corp". Zauba Corp. 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ "Bloomberg". Bloomberg. 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ "Varanasi". Varanasi. 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ "Benares: Bayly and the Making of World History". Jnana Pravaha. 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ Melba Levick (2008). IndiaColor: Spirit, Tradition, and Style. Chronicle Books. p. 175. ISBN 9780811853163.
- ↑ "Good Samaritans among UP's 6 Padma awardees". Times of India. 26 January 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ↑ "Padma Awards". Padma Awards. 2015. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
Further reading[edit | edit source]
- Melba Levick (2008). IndiaColor: Spirit, Tradition, and Style. Chronicle Books. p. 175. ISBN 9780811853163.
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