New Delhi buzzed with pride on the eve of Republic Day as the government unveiled the prestigious Padma Awards list. In a glittering announcement, the Home Ministry revealed recipients across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri categories, celebrating extraordinary contributions to the nation.
The list features five Padma Vibhushans, 13 Padma Bhushans, and a whopping 113 Padma Shris. Among the honorees are 19 remarkable women, six individuals from foreign, NRI, PIO, and OCI categories, and 16 posthumous awards that immortalize their legacies.
Actor Dharmendra Singh Deol receives the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, a fitting tribute to his iconic career in cinema. Kerala’s KT Thomas earns it for public affairs, while UP’s N Rajam shines in art, Kerala’s P Narayanan in literature and education, and the late VS Achyutanandan from Kerala in public affairs.
The Padma Bhushan roster boasts Maharashtra’s Alka Yagnik for her melodic legacy, Uttarakhand’s Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Tamil Nadu’s Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswami, Kerala’s Mammootty, US-based Dr. Nori Dattatreudu, Vijay Amritraj, late Piyush Pandey from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu’s SKM Maillanandan, Karnataka’s Shatavadhani R Ganesh, Jharkhand’s former CM Shibu Soren posthumously, Maharashtra’s Uday Kotak, late VK Malhotra from Delhi, and Kerala’s Vellappally Natesan.
These awards, India’s highest civilian honors, recognize excellence in arts, social service, public affairs, science, trade, medicine, literature, sports, and more. Padma Vibhushan salutes exceptional service, Padma Bhushan distinguished service, and Padma Shri notable contributions.
Annually announced on Republic Day eve, the awards are presented by the President in ceremonial events at Rashtrapati Bhavan around March or April. This year’s selections underscore diversity and dedication, inspiring future generations to serve the nation selflessly.
