Shyam Sunder Paliwal

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Shyam Sunder Paliwal
Born (1964-07-09) 9 July 1964 (age 61)
NationalityIndian
OccupationSocial activist
Awards Padma Shri (2021)

Shyam Sunder Paliwal (born 9 July 1964) is an Indian social activist from Piplantri village in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. He is known for initiating an environmental and social campaign in his village that links the birth of girls with tree plantation. In 2021, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his work in social service. [1] [2]

Contents

Early life

Paliwal was born in 1964 in Piplantri village, Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. [3] He later became the sarpanch (village head) of Piplantri. [4]

Social initiatives

In 2006, after the death of his daughter, Paliwal began an initiative in which 111 saplings are planted in Piplantri to celebrate the birth of every girl child. [5] [6] This initiative also includes setting up a financial deposit for the girl and ensuring community participation in her upbringing. [7]

His efforts contributed to water conservation, improved afforestation, and raised awareness about female infanticide and women’s empowerment in the region. [8]

Recognition

Paliwal received the Padma Shri in 2021 for his contribution to social work. [9] In 2024, he was named News Maker of the Year and Green Crusader of the Year by ABP News. [10]

References

  1. "Padma awardee Shyam Sunder Paliwal turned Rajasthan village into oasis". Hindustan Times. 26 January 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  2. "Social worker Shyam Sundar Paliwal will receive Padma Shri Award 2021". ETV Bharat (in Hindi). 26 January 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  3. "Welcome to Shyam Sundar Paliwal who returned after being awarded Padma Shri". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). 27 January 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  4. "Shyam Sunder Paliwal: Watch the epic tale of 'water warrior' on stage & OTT". The Print. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  5. Dore, Bhavya (2 March 2021). "Piplantri: The Indian village where girls rule". BBC News. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  6. Singh, Mahim Pratap (11 April 2013). "A village that plants 111 trees for every girl born in Rajasthan". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  7. "The green crusader of Piplantri". The Better India. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  8. "Dedicated to the daughters of Piplantri Gram Panchayat". Paliwal Wani (in Hindi). 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  9. "Social worker Shyam Sundar Paliwal will receive Padma Shri Award 2021". ETV Bharat (in Hindi). 26 January 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  10. "News Maker of the Year 2024: Shyam Sunder Paliwal honoured as Green Crusader of the Year". ABP Live. 30 December 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2025.