Bhiku Ramji Idate (born 2 June 1949), also known as Dada Idate, is an Indian social worker who was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2023 for his contributions in the field of social work.[1] He is recognized for his extensive work towards the welfare and upliftment of denotified and nomadic tribes in India.[2]
Born in a village in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra,[3] Idate began his career as a teacher. However, motivated by the condition of poor nomadic tribes, he left teaching to dedicate himself to social work.[3] He has since worked for over five decades for the socio-economically oppressed communities.[3]
Idate has played a significant role in advocating for the rights and development of denotified and nomadic tribes. He founded the Bhatke Vimukta Vikas Parishad and other organizations focused on these communities.[4] He also established the Savitribai Phule Shikshan Prasarak (SPSP) Mandal in 1992, which has been instrumental in providing educational opportunities through colleges, schools, and hostels in backward areas of Maharashtra.[3][4]
He chaired the Idate Committee constituted by the Government of Maharashtra in 1999.[3] Later, as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT) in 2015,[5] he made several important recommendations for the upliftment of these communities.[6][5] He also served as the former chairperson of the Union Development and Welfare Board for Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities.[2]
Idate has written over seven books and is a follower of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ideology.[4][7]
Bhiku Ramji Idate has received numerous awards from various institutions and organizations for his social work, including:[4]
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