The Government of India has announced the Padma Awards for 2025, honouring 139 distinguished individuals across various fields such as arts, literature, sports, medicine, public affairs, and social service. These prestigious civilian awards — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — are presented annually by the President of India at a grand ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Padma Vibhushan (2025):
The highest of the three categories, the Padma Vibhushan, has been conferred upon:
- Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy (Telangana) – A world-renowned gastroenterologist, honoured for his groundbreaking work in medical research and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
- Dr. L. Subramaniam (Karnataka) – Celebrated violinist recognised for his exceptional contribution to Indian classical and fusion music.
- M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous, Kerala) – The legendary Malayalam writer awarded posthumously for his profound impact on Indian literature.
- Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous, Japan) – The visionary former Suzuki Chairman honoured for transforming India’s automotive industry.
Padma Bhushan (2025):
Among the 2025 Padma Bhushan recipients are:
- Ajith Kumar (Tamil Nadu) – The Tamil film superstar recognised for his impactful and longstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
- Pankaj Udhas (Maharashtra) – Iconic ghazal singer, celebrated for preserving and popularising the art of ghazal singing.
- A. Surya Prakash (Karnataka) – Veteran journalist and media scholar recognised for his contributions to journalism and literature.
- Anant Nag (Karnataka) – Revered actor, honoured for his extensive body of work in Kannada cinema.
- Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram (Kerala) – Leading cardiac surgeon recognised for his advancements in medical care.
Padma Shri (2025):
This year’s Padma Shri list features 113 individuals, with notable names including:
- Arijit Singh (West Bengal) – Bollywood’s most celebrated playback singer, awarded for his musical excellence and popularity.
- Ravichandran Ashwin (Tamil Nadu) – Indian cricketer recognised for his exceptional career as one of the world’s leading spin bowlers.
- Harvinder Singh (Haryana) – Domestic cricket star acknowledged for his dedication and consistent performances.
- Ricky Kej (Karnataka) – Grammy-winning environmental composer who uses music to champion ecological causes.
- Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla (Gujarat) – Noted Gujarati poet and author, awarded for his literary work.
- Syed Ainul Hasan (Telangana) – Academic and Vice Chancellor of MANUU, recognised for strengthening Indo-Iran and Indo-Afghan cultural ties.
- Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid – Vedic scholar honoured for his lifelong contribution to preserving ancient Vedic scriptures.
Other awardees include artists, educators, social reformers, and innovators who have made remarkable impacts in their respective domains. Among them are Smt. K Omanakutty Amma, Smt. Nirmala Devi, Shri Pawan Goenka, and more.
The 2025 Padma Awards not only celebrate achievement but also shine a spotlight on India’s vast cultural, intellectual, and humanitarian diversity. These honorees continue to serve as a beacon of excellence and inspiration for generations to come.
