On the eve of India’s 76th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards 2025 upon 139 distinguished individuals for their exceptional and distinguished service in various fields. The awards ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognized contributions across art, literature, medicine, public affairs, sports, and more.
ABOUT PADMA AWARDS
The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors in India, presented annually by the Government of India to recognize outstanding contributions in various fields. These include art, literature, science, medicine, education, public affairs, social work, trade and industry, and sports.
Instituted in 1954, the awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day and are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service). The selection process emphasizes merit, regardless of race, occupation, or background.
The awards aim to honor those individuals whose work has significantly contributed to society and the nation’s development, often including unsung heroes working at the grassroots level. These recognitions not only celebrate personal achievements but also serve to inspire future generations to contribute positively to the country and humanity at large.
The Prestigious Padma Awards: Categories and Recipients
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India, conferred in three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.
- Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a high order.
- Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.
This year, the President approved the conferment of:
- 7 Padma Vibhushan
- 19 Padma Bhushan
- 113 Padma Shri
Among the awardees, 23 are women, 10 are from the categories of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, and 13 are posthumous awards.
Notable Awardees
- Sharda Sinha (Posthumous, Padma Vibhushan): Renowned as ‘Bihar Kokila,’ Sharda Sinha was honored for her significant contributions to folk music, particularly her iconic Chhath songs. She passed away on November 5, 2024
- Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous, Padma Bhushan): The celebrated Ghazal singer was recognized for his enduring impact on Indian music.
- Ajith Kumar (Padma Bhushan): The Tamil film superstar was honored for his exceptional contributions to the Indian film industry.
- Shekhar Kapur (Padma Bhushan): The veteran filmmaker, known for classics like Masoom and Mr. India, received the award for his outstanding work in cinema.
- Arijit Singh (Padma Shri): The versatile playback singer was recognized for his melodious voice and contributions to Indian music.
- Ricky Kej (Padma Shri): The Grammy-winning musician was honored for his outstanding work in the field of music.
- Sushil Modi (Posthumous, Padma Bhushan): The former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar was recognized for his contributions to public affairs.
Significance of the Padma Awards
The Padma Awards serve as a testament to the nation’s appreciation for individuals who have made significant contributions to society. They inspire others to strive for excellence and serve as role models in their respective fields. By honoring these individuals, India acknowledges the diverse talents and efforts that shape its cultural and social landscape.
As we celebrate the achievements of the Padma Awardees, we are reminded of the power of dedication, passion, and service to the nation. Their stories encourage us to contribute positively to society and uphold the values that these prestigious awards represent.
