The award was given to Professor (Dr) Mahesh Verma by the president of India, with Professor Verma winning the award due to his immense contribution in the field of dental sciences.
Professor Verma was instrumental in setting up one of the best dental institutes in India, starting from a very small dental department at Maulana Azad Medical College, which is a 'centre of excellence' and is now treating thousands of underprivileged people everyday in state-of-the-art facilities.
He completed his BDS at Trivandrum Dental College, followed by an MDS from the same institute in the speciality of prosthodontics.
He is also a recipient of Dr B C Roy's highest national medical award, presented by the president of India in 2008, and has received other awards including fellowships from many national and international organisations and academic bodies.
Professor Mahesh Verma was vice president of the Dental Council of India and is currently the president of the Indian Dental Association.
The Padma Shri Award will be presented at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhawan on 26 April 2014.
As president of the Indian Dental Association, Dr Mahesh Verma has been fighting for the central and state Governments to give priorities to oral health schemes and create more job opportunities for young professionals.
There is large pool of dental manpower available that may be utilised for dental services to reach the masses across the country.
