New Delhi marked a momentous occasion on the eve of Republic Day as the Central Government unveiled the prestigious Padma Awards list. Announced by the Home Ministry, the roster celebrates excellence across diverse fields, featuring five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and a staggering 113 Padma Shri recipients.
In the public affairs category, Kerala shines brightly with KT Thomas and the late VS Achuthanandan receiving the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, Padma Vibhushan. Senior BJP leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari has been conferred the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contributions to public service. The list also posthumously honors Jharkhand’s former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, recognizing his enduring legacy.
Delving deeper into public sector honorees, the Padma Vibhushan recipients include KT Thomas from Kerala and VS Achuthanandan (posthumous) from the same state. Padma Bhushan awardees comprise Bhagat Singh Koshyari (Uttarakhand), Shibu Soren (posthumous, Jharkhand), VK Malhotra (posthumous, Delhi), and Vellappally Natesan (Kerala). For Padma Shri, Kabindra Purkayastha (posthumous) from Assam stands out.
The social work domain sees SKM Maillanandan from Tamil Nadu earning the Padma Bhushan, while 12 dedicated individuals receive Padma Shri. These include Ankh Gowda M from Karnataka, Brij Lal Bhat from Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Budhri Tati from Chhattisgarh, Haley War from Meghalaya, Inderjeet Singh Sidhu from Chandigarh, Janardan Bapurav Bothe from Maharashtra, Kollakkal Devaki Amma from Kerala, Mohan Nagar from Madhya Pradesh, Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandalevala from Gujarat, SG Sushila Amma from Karnataka, Swami Brahmdev Ji Maharaj from Rajasthan, and Techi Gubin from Arunachal Pradesh.
Agriculture too receives due recognition with three luminaries selected for Padma Shri: Shriyang Dewaba Lad from Maharashtra, Raghu Pat Singh from Uttar Pradesh, and Jogesh Deuri from Assam. These awards underscore India’s commitment to honoring selfless service and innovation, inspiring future generations to contribute to nation-building.