The Indian government earlier announced the names of 139 deserving individuals for the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards. These names were revealed on the eve of the 76th Republic Day, on January 25.
New Delhi – On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu honoured 68 eminent personalities with the Padma Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognising their extraordinary contributions in different fields such as art, medicine, public affairs, literature, and sports.
The grand ceremony took place in the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Indian government had earlier announced the names of 139 deserving individuals for the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards. These names were revealed on the eve of the 76th Republic Day, on January 25.
On Tuesday, the second part of the award ceremony took place, during which 68 recipients were honoured. The first part of the award ceremony was held earlier on April 28, when 71 personalities were given the Padma Awards by the President.
During the Tuesday ceremony held at Ganatantra Mandap inside Rashtrapati Bhavan, Justice (Retired) Jagdish Singh Khehar, former Chief Justice of India, was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan for his work in public affairs.
Two other Padma Vibhushan awards were presented posthumously:
- Late Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia, a renowned Kathak dancer – Her grandson accepted the award on her behalf.
- Late Sharda Sinha, a legendary folk singer – Her son received the honour in her memory.
The President also gave away nine Padma Bhushan awards to prominent personalities. Some of the notable awardees included:
- Shobana Chandrakumar, well-known dancer and actor
- Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti, respected businessman
- Kailash Nath Dikshit, prominent archaeologist
- Jatin Goswami, senior classical dancer
- Anant Nag, experienced film actor
- Sadhvi Ritambhara, spiritual figure
Two awardees were honoured posthumously or represented by family:
- Bibek Debroy, noted economist – The award was received by his wife
- Manohar Joshi, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker – His son accepted the award
Many individuals from diverse backgrounds received the Padma Shri, which is awarded for distinguished service in any field. Noteworthy awardees included:
- Dr. Soniya Nityanand, Vice Chancellor of King George’s Medical University and expert immunologist
- Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, popular footballer
- Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, well-known classical singer
- Ashok Laxman Saraf, veteran actor
- Reba Kanta Mahanta, traditional mask maker
- Ricky Gyan Kej, talented musician
Other Padma Shri recipients were:
- Barry John, respected theatre artist and acting coach
- Velu Aasan, skilled parai player and folk musician
- Sajjan Bhajanka, known businessman
- Dr. Neerja Bhatla, reputed doctor
- Ajay V Bhatt, noted scientist
- Sant Ram Deswal, celebrated writer
- Acharya Jonas Mejetti, spiritual leader
- Farooq Ahmad Mir, social worker
The Padma Awards are given for excellence in various fields, including:
- Art
- Social Work
- Public Affairs
- Science and Engineering
- Trade and Industry
- Medicine
- Literature and Education
- Sports
- Civil Service
The three levels of Padma Awards are:
- Padma Vibhushan – For “exceptional and distinguished service”
- Padma Bhushan – For “distinguished service of high order”
- Padma Shri – For “distinguished service in any field”
The Narendra Modi-led government has focused on recognising not just celebrities but also everyday heroes whose hard work often goes unnoticed. These include people from remote villages, tribal communities, and weaker sections of society.
“Ever since the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014, it has started honouring the ‘unsung heroes’ by honouring them with the Padma awards, thus transforming Padma awards into ‘People’s Padma’.”
This year, 30 of the awardees were such “unsung heroes”.
The government has always emphasised that anyone from any background is eligible for a Padma Award, as long as they have done remarkable work.
“All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards.”
To ensure fairness and diversity, special attention is given to people from disadvantaged communities.
“Concerted efforts are being made to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognised from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, SCs & STs, divyang persons and who are doing selfless service to the society.”
The Padma Awards were started in 1954 and are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. They are a symbol of the nation’s respect and gratitude for those who contribute towards the progress and development of India.
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