On the eve of Republic Day, January 25, 2025, the Government of India announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards. Recognizing exceptional contributions across diverse fields, these awards are among the highest civilian honors in the nation. This year’s awards celebrated 139 distinguished individuals, divided into seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients.
The Padma Awards pay tribute to individuals who have left indelible marks in fields ranging from arts, literature, and science to public affairs, sports, and social work. What makes these awards special is their inclusivity—honoring both renowned figures and unsung heroes whose stories of service and achievement are often overlooked.
The President of India will present these awards at an official ceremony later this year. Below is an in-depth look at this year’s awardees and their extraordinary contributions.
These 3 Padma awards are the highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna, after the 76th Republic Day, the President of India will present these Padma Awards to these Personalities.
Here is the list of awardees with the award name:-
Padma Vibhushan Awardees
The Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor in India, is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. The seven recipients of 2025 include:
- Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar
Former Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar was recognized for his landmark contributions to the judiciary. His notable judgments on the right to privacy and triple talaq significantly shaped Indian legal history. - Osamu Suzuki
Late Osamu Suzuki, the former CEO of Suzuki Motors, was posthumously honored for revolutionizing India’s automobile industry. His visionary leadership enabled millions of Indians to own cars and established Maruti Suzuki as a household name. - Sharda Sinha
A celebrated folk singer from Bihar, Sharda Sinha has dedicated her life to promoting Bhojpuri and Maithili music. Her captivating voice has not only entertained but also preserved the cultural heritage of eastern India. - M.T. Vasudevan Nair
The legendary Malayalam writer and filmmaker was posthumously awarded for his profound contributions to literature and cinema. His works remain timeless treasures, reflecting the nuances of human emotions and Kerala’s cultural depth. - Kumudini Lakhia
Kathak dancer and choreographer Kumudini Lakhia is celebrated for modernizing classical dance forms while preserving their essence. Her work has inspired countless young dancers and introduced Kathak to global audiences. - Dr. D. Nageshwara Reddy
A world-renowned gastroenterologist, Dr. Reddy has pioneered advancements in endoscopic procedures in India. His groundbreaking work has improved healthcare standards and made complex treatments accessible to many. - Dr. L. Subramaniam
An iconic violinist, Dr. L. Subramaniam has seamlessly blended Indian classical music with global influences. His genius has earned him accolades worldwide, and his innovative spirit continues to inspire musicians globally.
Padma Bhushan Awardees
The Padma Bhushan is awarded for distinguished service of a high order. Among the 19 recipients of 2025 were individuals who excelled in diverse fields:
- Bibek Debroy
The late Bibek Debroy, an economist and scholar, was recognized posthumously for his exceptional contributions to economic policy and his translation of ancient Sanskrit texts into accessible formats for modern readers. - Sushil Kumar Modi
Veteran politician and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Sushil Modi, was honored for his impactful public service. Known for his transparent governance, he played a pivotal role in steering economic and social reforms in Bihar. - Nandamuri Balakrishna
Telugu film actor and politician Nandamuri Balakrishna was recognized for his contributions to cinema and social welfare initiatives in Andhra Pradesh. His rural development programs have positively impacted countless communities. - Shekhar Kapur
Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur was honored for his unparalleled contribution to cinema. Movies such as Bandit Queen and Elizabeth showcase his ability to weave compelling narratives that transcend cultures. - P.R. Sreejesh
Former captain of India’s hockey team, P.R. Sreejesh, was honored for his inspiring role in India’s Olympic success. Under his leadership, the hockey team secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, breaking a four-decade drought. - Arundhati Bhattacharya
Former Chairperson of the State Bank of India, Arundhati Bhattacharya, was recognized for her transformative leadership. She modernized banking practices in India and bolstered SBI’s global reputation. - Manohar Joshi
Late politician and former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi was posthumously honored for his dedication to public service and his pivotal role in Maharashtra’s socio-economic development.
Padma Shri Awardees
The Padma Shri, awarded for distinguished service in any field, celebrates 113 remarkable individuals this year. Here are a few noteworthy awardees whose work embodies excellence:
- Arijit Singh
A musical sensation, Arijit Singh was honored for his incredible contributions to Indian music. His melodious voice and versatility have made him one of the most beloved playback singers of his generation. - Ravichandran Ashwin
Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin was recognized for his outstanding achievements in the sport. Known for his skill and consistency, Ashwin remains a vital player for the Indian cricket team. - Libia Lobo Sardesai
A freedom fighter and social worker from Goa, Libia Lobo Sardesai was honored for her lifelong dedication to empowering women and promoting education in rural areas. - Velu Aasaan
Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Velu Aasaan is a traditional Parai percussion artist. His tireless efforts to revive this art form have helped preserve Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage. - Harvinder Singh
Paralympic archer Harvinder Singh was recognized for his sporting achievements. His bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics inspired countless people with disabilities to pursue their dreams. - Gokul Chandra Das
A master craftsman from West Bengal, Das trained an all-female Dhaki (drummer) troupe, breaking gender barriers and reviving a fading tradition. - Kanzul Fatima
An educationist from Uttar Pradesh, Kanzul Fatima was honored for transforming rural education. Her work in creating educational opportunities for underprivileged children has empowered thousands.
Recognizing Unsung Heroes
The 2025 Padma Awards stand out for their emphasis on grassroots changemakers. Among the recipients are educators who brought literacy to remote villages, healthcare workers who provided vital care in underserved regions, and artisans who preserved fading art forms. These unsung heroes reflect India’s vibrant and diverse culture of service.
For instance, tribal leader Bhanu Rathod, who received the Padma Shri, has worked tirelessly to preserve the Warli art form. Similarly, environmentalist Uma Singh from Uttarakhand was recognized for her efforts to restore forests and combat climate change.
These inspiring stories reaffirm the essence of the Padma Awards: honoring contributions that often go unnoticed yet have profound impacts on society.
Reactions and Celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the awardees, tweeting, “The Padma Awardees 2025 embody India’s spirit of innovation and selfless service. Their contributions to the nation inspire millions. Heartfelt congratulations to all.”
Social media was abuzz with messages celebrating the honorees. Citizens applauded the government for recognizing grassroots leaders alongside celebrated icons. The awards have once again brought the spotlight on the incredible work being done across India, reinforcing the message that every contribution counts.
Conclusion
The Padma Awards of 2025 showcase India’s rich diversity and honor the spirit of excellence, dedication, and selfless service. By recognizing a mix of celebrated figures and unsung heroes, these awards inspire future generations to make meaningful contributions to society.
As the nation prepares to witness the grand ceremony where these exceptional individuals will receive their awards, their stories serve as a reminder that hard work and perseverance can create lasting impacts. The Padma Awards not only honor the recipients but also celebrate the collective potential of a nation driven by talent, passion, and purpose.