In a remarkable tribute to grassroots innovation, the Indian government announced the Padma Awards for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day, honoring three distinguished figures from Bihar with the Padma Shri. Among them, Dr. Gopalji Trivedi stands out in the field of science and engineering, his journey from rural Bihar to agricultural pioneer inspiring millions.
Born into a modest farmer’s family in Matlupur village, Bandra block of Muzaffarpur district, Gopalji’s childhood was steeped in the rhythms of rural life. Walking the village paths, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of farmers battling low yields and outdated methods. This early exposure ignited a passion that would propel him from local fields to the forefront of agricultural science.
Gopalji completed his matriculation at Pusa High School and intermediate studies at Langat Singh College, driven by a keen interest in science. Family obligations forced him to pause higher education and return to farming, yet his resolve remained unshaken. Landing a teaching position at Pusa School marked a turning point, opening doors to further academic pursuits.
Enrolling at an agricultural university, he earned BSc and MSc degrees, followed by a PhD. His career soared as a professor at Tirhut College of Agriculture, eventually leading him to become Vice-Chancellor of Pusa Agricultural University in Samastipur. There, Gopalji pioneered modern farming technologies, bridging the gap between lab research and field application.
Even after retirement, his commitment endures. Trivedi has developed techniques that boosted crop yields and farmer incomes, directly transferring scientific experiments from labs to farmlands. His creative approaches continue to benefit rural communities, embodying a lifelong dedication to empowering those who feed the nation.
This Padma Shri recognition not only celebrates Gopalji’s achievements but also underscores the power of science in transforming rural India, offering hope and direction to countless farmers.