- Padma Shree Gandhian, freedom fighter and a social worker Hema Bharali passed away at the age of 101. The then President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam gave away the National Communal Harmony Award-2005 to Ms. Hema Bharali, in New Delhi on May 1, 2006.
- She is known for her contributions for the empowerment of women and efforts towards the upliftment of the socially and financially challenged sections of the society.