The Government of India has announced the 2025 Padma Awards, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, recognizing exceptional individuals for their contributions across various fields. The Ministry of Home Affairs revealed the list of awardees, which includes seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri winners. The President will present these prestigious awards at a ceremonial event at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March-April 2025.
Padma Vibhushan Recipients
The government has conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, upon seven distinguished individuals this year. Notably, the award honors the late Sharda Sinha, the legendary folk singer, posthumously. Known for her soulful renditions of Chhatth songs, Sinha passed away in November 2024 at the age of 72.
Another posthumous award recipient is veteran Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair, who died in December 2024. Nair, with a career spanning over seven decades, made significant contributions to Indian literature with novels, short stories, and screenplays. His literary legacy continues to inspire generations.
Other prominent Padma Vibhushan awardees include renowned Japanese industrialist Osamu Suzuki for his pioneering contributions to trade and industry. Additionally, the awards recognize Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy for his exceptional contributions to medicine, Justice (Retd) JS Khehar for his work in public affairs, Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia for her achievements in art, and Lakshminarayana Subramaniam for his significant contributions to the arts.
Padma Bhushan Awardees
This year’s Padma Bhushan awards recognize 19 individuals for their exceptional contributions. Among the posthumous honorees is renowned economist Bibek Debroy, who served as the chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council until his death in November 2024. Another posthumous awardee is former BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, who passed away after a prolonged illness in May 2024.
The Padma Bhushan also honors prominent figures such as ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and former Maharashtra Chief Minister and ex-Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi.
Padma Shri Recognitions
The Padma Shri, the third-highest civilian award, has been granted to 113 individuals this year. Among the notable recipients are Bollywood playback singer Arijit Singh, who has captivated audiences with his soulful voice across numerous chart-topping tracks. The government has recognized cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin, a key figure in Indian cricket, for his contributions to the sport.
In the field of literature, education, and journalism, Dinamalar publisher Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer receives the Padma Shri for his contributions to the media industry.
Other noteworthy Padma Shri winners include former State Bank of India (SBI) chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya and leading cultural figures who have made an impact in art, education, and social work.
The Padma Awards are a testament to the extraordinary achievements of these individuals, celebrating their lasting impact on Indian society and beyond. This year’s list highlights the diverse fields in which Indians and global citizens have made invaluable contributions, reaffirming the country’s commitment to honoring excellence in every form.
