Marathi Writer, Journalist and Teacher from Vidarbha - published over 15 novels and story collections furthering unity and convergence

Mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh - Fastest woman mountaineer in the world to climb Mt Everest from India

Hindi litterateur from Kurukshetra - credited for discovering 17th to 19th century Hindi literary works in Gurumukhi manuscripts

Gujarati Folk Writer from Junagadh popularly known as 'Kavi Daad' - renowned for his songs and poetry on spirituality

Bali's most influential Kecak Dancer and Scholar - a traditional Indonesian art form depicting chapters of the Ramayana

Self-made Maithili Painter from Madhubani - rose from being a Dai to an acclaimed painter against all adversity

95 yr old Veteran Cartoonist from Bengal - most popular for his comic strips Handa Bhonda

Selfless hero who single handedly constructed a 38-km road - connecting Ramjak to Kargyak village in remote Zanskar region of Kargil

77 yr old Village School Teacher from Purba Bardhaman popular as Master Moshai - working tirelessly for decades to spread education, especially amongst tribal students

Veteran Assamese folk musician from Majuli - groomed the Sattriya traditional music for over 7 decades