Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Padma Shri awardee Yonzone serves Darjeeling, Sikkim
Gambir Singh Yonzone is an 86-year-old man who has won a special award called the Padma Shri.
He is a scientist who studies plants and the environment.
He lives in a place called Pedong in West Bengal, India.
He has written six books and is currently writing another one about how to take care of the environment in the Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas.
He believes that helping the people in his region is like helping the whole country.
He used to teach at colleges and is now working on teaching farmers how to grow special plants that can make them more money.
Gambir Singh Yonzone, an 86-year-old botanist and environment science expert, received the Padma Shri award in the 'unsung heroes' category.
Yonzone considers his service to the Darjeeling and Sikkim region as service to the nation.
He is currently writing a book on sustainable development in the Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas, including north Bengal.
Yonzone taught Botany and Plant Science at Darjeeling Government College and was principal of Kalimpong College for about 12 years.
He is working on holding workshops for farmers on medicinal plants to increase their income.
- Who
- Gambir Singh Yonzone, an 86-year-old botanist and environment science expert
- What
- Received the Padma Shri award in the 'unsung heroes' category
- When
- Award announced on Sunday, January 25
- Where
- Based in Pedong, Kalimpong district, West Bengal
- Why
- For his service to the Darjeeling and Sikkim region, which he considers service to the nation
- Name
- Gambir Singh Yonzone
- Age
- 86
- Award
- Padma Shri
- Category
- Unsung Heroes
- Current Residence
- Pedong, Kalimpong district
- Books Written
- 6
- Current Project
- Book on sustainable development in Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas
- Profession
- Botanist and Environment Science Expert