Grin Books signs publishing deal with Padmaja Joshi for debut book on Padma Awardees

People's Padma Winners seeks to document the journeys of individuals whose contributions have often remained outside the public spotlight

by e4m Staff
Published: Jun 24, 2026 8:11 AM | 2 min read

Grin Books has signed a publishing agreement with journalist Padmaja Joshi for her debut book, *People's Padma Winners*, which explores the stories behind India's Padma Awards.
The hardcover book will be distributed in South Asia by Penguin Random House India and aims to highlight the contributions of lesser-known individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The work includes profiles of notable recipients such as environmentalists, teachers, artists, and para-athletes, and is based on extensive field reporting.
Joshi, with over two decades of journalism experience, expressed that the project evolved from skepticism to a deeper appreciation of India's diversity; the publication date is yet to be announced.

Grin Books, the publishing arm of Grin Media Private Limited, has announced a publishing agreement with senior journalist Padmaja Joshi for her debut book, People's Padma Winners, a narrative non-fiction work chronicling the stories behind India's Padma Awards.

The book will be published in hardcover under the Grin Books imprint and distributed across South Asia through Penguin Random House India, which has partnered with the publisher for regional distribution.

According to the announcement, People's Padma Winners seeks to document the journeys of individuals whose contributions have often remained outside the public spotlight. The book traces the evolution of the Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, and profiles recipients from diverse backgrounds, including environmentalists, teachers, artists, social workers and para-athletes.

Grin Books Chief Executive Officer Lakshmik Kaul said Joshi brings together the rigour of a reporter, the sensitivity of a literary writer and a deep commitment to telling the stories of ordinary Indians who have made extraordinary contributions.

Joshi, who has more than two decades of experience in journalism covering politics, culture and society, said the project began from a place of scepticism but evolved into a deeper appreciation of India's diversity and capacity for self-renewal.

Each chapter, according to the publisher, is based on extensive field reporting. Among the personalities featured are "Water Man of India" Rajendra Singh, farmer and environmentalist Jadav "Molai" Payeng, Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar and transgender folk artist Manjamma Jogati, who became the first transgender president of the Karnataka Janapada Academy.

People's Padma Winners marks Joshi's first full-length book. The publication date is yet to be announced.

Grin Books said the title will be available across South Asia through Penguin Random House India and will also be exported to international markets.