| Hirabai Ibrahim Lodi, a social activist in Junagadh, Gujarat, has uplifted over 700 women and children in the Siddi community. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 2023 for her dedicated service. |
| Raised by her grandmother from the age of 14 after her parents passed away. |
| Due to a poor background, she couldn't attend formal education but had a strong desire to learn. |
| Married young, she and her husband worked a small 0.5-hectare land with a 1 lakh rupee debt, leading her to explore diverse income sources beyond traditional Siddi woodcutting. |
| Inspired by radio broadcasts on organic composting, she researched and learned to create organic feed. |
| In her first year, she produced 160 bags of organic compost despite facing challenges to find a buyer. |
| Progressing, she formed a team of 10 women and produced 500 bags, turning a modest profit. |
| She expanded to form 9 teams of 95 women, helping them set up fruit farms for commercial use. |
| Committed to educating women, she initiated training in organic composting and encouraged women to pursue studies. |
| Leveraging her family's background, she spurred education reforms among Siddi women by emphasizing its importance. |
| Reviving a struggling primary school in Jambur through community engagement, she increased student attendance. |
| Established multiple schools in her area and joined NGOs like Aga Khan Foundation and BAIF for learning and outreach. |
| Recognized by the Women’s World Summit Foundation in 2002 and utilized the $500 prize to enhance her village. |
| Founded Mahila Vikas Foundation in 2004 to educate Siddi women on financial literacy and government schemes. |
| Supported women in opening bank accounts, aiding them in navigating banking processes. |
| Advocated for alternative work methods to protect the Gir forest, urging against woodcutting. |
| Promoted health and hygiene among Siddi women, encouraging birth control for better child welfare. |
| During the Padma Shri ceremony in 2023, she thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the recognition, highlighting efforts in the Siddi community. |
| Expressed immense happiness and gratitude to PM Modi, saying, "Mere pyaare Narendra Bhai, apne hamari jholi khushiyon se bhar di." |
| Driven by her modest upbringing, she strives to empower women in her family and community through education and progress. |
