On Monday, President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma awards on 71 distinguished personalities at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognizing their extraordinary contributions in diverse fields. These awards, presented on the eve of India's 76th Republic Day, included the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Among the honorees were iconic figures from industries such as literature, cinema, sports, and business. The ceremony highlighted the government’s commitment to acknowledging excellence, with the awards recognizing not just celebrated figures but also unsung heroes who have made significant contributions to society.
A Momentous Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
In a solemn and grand ceremony held at the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed Padma awards upon 71 individuals, acknowledging their exceptional achievements in various domains. This prestigious event was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among others. The Padma awards ceremony is a momentous occasion in India’s cultural and social calendar, serving as a platform to honor individuals who have made a lasting impact on the nation and the world.
The Padma awards are among India’s highest civilian honors, with the recipients recognized for their exemplary contributions to public life. This year’s awards were presented in three categories: the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, with four individuals being honored with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award.
Notable Awardees: Icons and Trailblazers
Among the notable personalities conferred with the Padma Vibhushan were Osamu Suzuki, the late former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and M.T. Vasudevan Nair, the celebrated Malayalam writer and film director. Both were honored posthumously for their remarkable contributions to their respective fields. In addition, renowned medical professional Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy and legendary violinist Lakshminarayana Subramaniam were awarded the Padma Vibhushan in person for their outstanding achievements.
The Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, was presented to a host of distinguished individuals from various fields. Among the recipients were veteran actor Shekhar Kapur, Telugu film star Nandamuri Balakrishna, renowned singer Pankaj Udhas (posthumous), former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi (posthumous), and celebrated hockey player P.R. Sreejesh. Also included were Tamil actor S. Ajith Kumar, industrialist Pankaj Patel, and Vinod Dham, an Indian-American engineer known as the ‘Father of the Pentium’ microprocessor.
Padma Shri: Honoring Contributions Across Sectors
The Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, was bestowed upon 57 remarkable individuals this year, recognizing their contributions to a wide array of fields. Among the honorees was Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer, the respected publisher of the Tamil daily Dinamalar, who has made significant strides in media and publishing. Other recipients included former State Bank of India chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya, industrialist Pawan Kumar Goenka, and Marathi author Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli, known for his work on bird, animal, and tree dictionaries.
The awardees also included master puppeteer Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, one of the first women to practice Togalu Gombeyaata, a traditional form of leather puppetry. Former AIIMS Director A.K. Mahapatra and Punjabi singer Jaspinder Narula Kaul were also recognized for their outstanding contributions in healthcare and music, respectively.
Acknowledging Unsung Heroes
This year’s Padma awards ceremony also paid tribute to unsung heroes, including 100-year-old Libia Lobo Sardesai, who played a vital role in Goa’s freedom movement. A total of 30 unsung heroes received Padma awards this year, highlighting the country’s commitment to recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to society, often without widespread recognition.
The inclusion of these unsung heroes demonstrates the government’s dedication to acknowledging the efforts of those who have quietly shaped the nation’s progress and legacy. Their recognition not only highlights their individual achievements but also serves as an inspiration to others who continue to serve their communities selflessly.
Conclusion: Celebrating Excellence Across Fields
The Padma awards ceremony in 2025 showcased a broad spectrum of achievements, from the arts and literature to sports and business, as well as recognizing those who have dedicated their lives to public service and national development. The awardees are a testament to India’s diverse talent and the many ways in which individuals contribute to the country’s growth.
As India continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage and diverse contributions, the Padma awards serve as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to honoring excellence and recognizing those who have shaped its social, cultural, and economic fabric.
Comments