New Delhi, January 25, 2025
The prestigious Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honors, have been announced. This year, 139 exceptional individuals from various fields have been recognized for their contributions to art, science, literature, medicine, public affairs, and more. The awards were revealed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and will be conferred by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan in March or April 2025.
The Padma Awards are divided into three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.
- Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of high order.
- Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.
Padma Vibhushan: The Highest Honor
This year, seven luminaries have been conferred the Padma Vibhushan, including:
- M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous), a literary giant from Kerala.
- Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar, a prominent figure in public affairs from Chandigarh.
- Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy, a trailblazer in medicine from Telangana.
Padma Bhushan: Celebrating Excellence
Nineteen individuals have been awarded the Padma Bhushan. Highlights include:
- P R Sreejesh, the celebrated hockey player from Kerala.
- Shekhar Kapur, renowned filmmaker from Maharashtra.
- Anant Nag, a veteran actor from Karnataka.
Padma Shri: A Diverse and Inspiring List
The Padma Shri was awarded to 113 individuals, showcasing an incredible diversity of talent and achievement. Among the notable recipients are:
- Arijit Singh, the singing sensation from West Bengal.
- Onkar Singh Pahwa, a trailblazer in trade and industry from Punjab.
- Neerja Bhatla, a distinguished medical professional from NCT Delhi.
This year’s list also includes 23 women, 10 foreigners/NRIs, and 13 posthumous awardees, reflecting the inclusive and far-reaching scope of the Padma Awards.
Spotlight on Key Awardees
- Arijit Singh: With his soulful voice and chart-topping hits, Arijit Singh has become a global icon in the music industry. His contribution to Indian music earned him the Padma Shri.
- P R Sreejesh: A key figure in Indian hockey, Sreejesh’s stellar performances have inspired generations of athletes. His Padma Bhushan win is a proud moment for Indian sports.
- M. T. Vasudevan Nair: Known for his timeless literary works, the late Vasudevan Nair’s legacy continues to shape Indian literature.
Complete List of Padma Awardees
Padma Vibhushan (7):
- Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy (Medicine, Telangana)
- Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar (Public Affairs, Chandigarh)
- Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia (Art, Gujarat)
- Lakshminarayana Subramaniam (Art, Karnataka)
- M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous) (Literature and Education, Kerala)
- Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous) (Trade and Industry, Japan)
- Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) (Art, Bihar)
Padma Bhushan (19):
Key recipients include P R Sreejesh (Sports, Kerala), Anant Nag (Art, Karnataka), and Shekhar Kapur (Art, Maharashtra).
Padma Shri (113):
A long and inspiring list featuring names like Arijit Singh (Art, West Bengal), Onkar Singh Pahwa (Trade and Industry, Punjab), and Neerja Bhatla (Medicine, NCT Delhi).
The Padma Awards celebrate the tireless efforts and remarkable achievements of individuals who have made an indelible mark on society. From artists to scientists, sports stars to social workers, this year’s honorees exemplify the spirit of excellence and service.
Click to explore the full list of Padma awardees and their inspiring stories!