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
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
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
She was honoured by the Government of India in 2015 with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award.[12]
Death
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
References
- ↑ 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). Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ Zauba Corp. Zauba Corp(2015). Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ Bloomberg. Bloomberg(2015). Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ Varanasi. Varanasi(2015). Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ Benares: Bayly and the Making of World History. Jnana Pravaha(2015). Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ↑ IndiaColor: Spirit, Tradition, and Style{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Chronicle Books(2008). ISBN 9780811853163
- ↑ Good Samaritans among UP's 6 Padma awardees(26 January 2015). Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ↑ Padma Awards. Padma Awards(2015). Retrieved 16 February 2015.
Further reading
- IndiaColor: Spirit, Tradition, and Style{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Chronicle Books(2008). ISBN 9780811853163
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