PADMASHREE

After the colonial rule and the formation of the Republic of India, the President of India introduced Padmashree, a national recognition to the meritorious service rendered by a person. Padma Shri (variously spelled Padma Shree, Padma Sree and Padma Sri) is an award given by the Government of India . It stands fourth in the hierarchy of civilian awards after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. Like the other Padma awards and the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Shri is awarded to recognize distinguished service to the nation, in any field. 

Dr. K. Rajagopal who is the President of Samajam today was given this honour of merit in the year 1999. He is a Doctor in Modern Medicine with MBBS and also an Ayurveda Physician with a Post Graduation. 

Recognition by the public was prominent in Samajam than the recognition by the authorities. In fact, on top of all the recognitions, Samajam still considers the recognition from the renowned and eminent Ayurveda Physicians much valuable. Samajam always have been the centre for all the great physicians of Kerala. With traditional wisdom and knowledge passed on through generations in succession, Samajam could serve the people the very best available medical care. Since only Samajam had a centre to accommodate in-patients, many Physicians of great repute have preferred to serve in Samajam. 

Eminent Ayurveda Physicians like Kuttancherry Mooss, Thirunavaya Mooss, Mooriyil Narayanan Nambissan, Ambramoli Ravunni Vaidyar, Veyiloor Sanku Varier, Poomulli Neelakantan Namboodiri, KV Vaidya Linga Iyer, NVK Varier all have contributed to the growth of Samajam by extending their service. 

Their knowledge, ideas, experiences and ideals will be of great value not only to the present generation, but also to the future ones to come. Samajam is fortunate to have had a number of such eminent physicians to deliver the best for the last 100 plus years to over a million people.