In a grand civil investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards to 68 distinguished personalities from across India. These awards recognise individuals for their exceptional contributions across disciplines such as public affairs, art, medicine, literature, education, sports, and social service.
The ceremony, held in the Ganatantra Mandap at Rashtrapati Bhavan, witnessed the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside other dignitaries. This event marked the second investiture ceremony of 2025, following the first held on April 28, where 71 individuals were honoured.
Overview of the 2025 Padma Awards
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Total awardees announced: 139
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Awards conferred on Tuesday (second investiture): 68
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Earlier awards conferred on April 28 (first investiture): 71
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Categories of awards: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri
These awards, announced annually on the eve of Republic Day (January 25), were instituted in 1954 and remain among the highest civilian honours in India.
What Are the Padma Awards?
The Padma Awards are divided into three categories:
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Padma Vibhushan – Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service
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Padma Bhushan – Conferred for distinguished service of high order
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Padma Shri – Given for distinguished service in any field
Eligibility
Anyone regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender can receive the award. The government particularly focuses on inclusive representation by honouring:
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Women achievers
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Members of SCs, STs, and weaker sections
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Divyang (differently-abled) individuals
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Those engaged in selfless service to society
Padma Vibhushan 2025: Honouring Excellence in Public Affairs and Performing Arts
This year, three individuals were conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour. Two of the recipients were awarded posthumously.
Awardees
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Justice (Retd) Jagdish Singh Khehar – Former Chief Justice of India; honoured for his exceptional service in public affairs.
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Late Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia – Legendary Kathak dancer; award received posthumously by her grandson.
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Late Sharda Sinha – Celebrated folk singer; award received posthumously by her son.
Padma Bhushan 2025: Recognising Distinguished Contributions
Nine distinguished individuals received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour in India.
Awardees
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Shobana Chandrakumar – Acclaimed dancer and actor
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Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti – Prominent businessman
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Kailash Nath Dikshit – Veteran archaeologist
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Jatin Goswami – Renowned classical dancer
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Anant Nag – Veteran film actor
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Sadhvi Ritambhara – Influential spiritual figure
Awards Received by Family Members
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Bibek Debroy – Noted economist; award received by his wife
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Manohar Joshi – Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Lok Sabha Speaker; award received by his son
Padma Shri 2025: Celebrating India’s Grassroots and Cultural Icons
The Padma Shri honours individuals for distinguished service in any field. This year, a diverse group of achievers was recognised, including artists, scientists, doctors, athletes, social workers, and educators.
Key Padma Shri Recipients
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Dr. Soniya Nityanand – Vice Chancellor of King George's Medical University (KGMU); leading immunologist
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Inivalappil Mani Vijayan – Former Indian footballer
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Ashwini Bhide Deshpande – Renowned classical singer
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Ashok Laxman Saraf – Veteran actor
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Reba Kanta Mahanta – Master mask maker and artisan
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Ricky Gyan Kej – Versatile musician
Other Padma Shri Awardees
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Barry John – Esteemed theatre artist and acting coach
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Velu Aasan – Accomplished parai player and folk musician
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Sajjan Bhajanka – Successful industrialist
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Dr. Neerja Bhatla – Eminent gynecologist
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Ajay V Bhatt – Distinguished scientist and innovator
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Sant Ram Deswal – Celebrated writer
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Acharya Jonas Mejetti – Revered spiritual leader
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Farooq Ahmad Mir – Dedicated social worker
A Shift Towards the 'People’s Padma'
Since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Padma Awards have undergone a transformative change. They now focus on celebrating “unsung heroes” — individuals whose impactful contributions were previously overlooked.
Notable Focus Areas
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Honouring talent from rural and remote regions
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Recognising those from marginalised communities
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Valuing work done without media spotlight or celebrity status
In 2025 alone, 30 of the awardees were identified as such unsung heroes, a reflection of the government's commitment to making the awards more inclusive and grassroots-oriented.
Fields Represented by Padma Awardees in 2025
The 2025 recipients come from a wide range of disciplines, including:
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Art and Culture
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Social Work
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Public Affairs
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Science and Engineering
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Trade and Industry
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Medicine
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Literature and Education
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Sports
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Civil Service
Celebrating National Icons and Everyday Heroes
The Padma Awards 2025 celebrated not only the well-known names but also the tireless efforts of everyday Indians making a difference in their communities. From former justices and classical artists to traditional craftsmen and social reformers, this year’s honourees reflect the diverse, vibrant, and resilient spirit of India.
As the tradition of recognising "People’s Padma" continues, the awards serve as a reminder that dedication, innovation, and service to society can earn the nation’s highest respect — no matter one’s background or circumstances.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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