Padma Awards 2025: A complete list of winners with respective disciplines
The Padma Awards, India’s prestigious civilian honours, were announced on the eve of Republic Day 2025, celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions across various fields. These awards – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri – continue to recognize talent, dedication, and service at both national and grassroots levels.
This year, the Government of India acknowledged 139 individuals, including 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. The awards ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honours during a grand event on April 28, 2025.
🏅 Padma Vibhushan 2025: India’s Highest Civilian Distinction (After Bharat Ratna)
The Padma Vibhushan award celebrates extraordinary and distinguished service. This year’s recipients reflect a broad range of fields, from classical music to judicial service.
- Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy (Telangana) – A pioneering gastroenterologist, Dr. Reddy transformed digestive healthcare and introduced advanced medical technologies in India.
- Justice J. S. Khehar (Chandigarh) – As a former Chief Justice of India, he led several judicial reforms that improved legal accessibility and transparency.
- Kumudini Lakhia (Gujarat) – A trailblazer in Kathak dance, she revolutionized classical performance by blending tradition with modern storytelling.
- Dr. L. Subramaniam (Karnataka) – An internationally acclaimed violinist, he elevated Indian classical music on global stages.
- M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous) (Kerala) – The legendary Malayalam writer and screenwriter left an indelible mark on Indian literature and cinema.
- Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous) (Japan) – His strategic leadership in the automobile sector fostered deep Indo-Japanese industrial ties.
- Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) (Bihar) – Widely known as the ‘Bihar Kokila’, she revived the soul of regional folk music through her timeless voice.
🥈 Padma Bhushan 2025: Recognizing Distinguished Service Across Fields
The Padma Bhushan award celebrates individuals whose work has significantly shaped their field. This year’s list is a blend of artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and public servants.
- Nandamuri Balakrishna (Andhra Pradesh) – Known for his prolific acting career, he also made impactful contributions in public healthcare through his cancer hospital.
- Vinod Dham (USA) – Famously called the “Father of the Pentium chip,” he played a key role in the global tech industry.
- Shekhar Kapur (Maharashtra) – A visionary filmmaker, Kapur is recognized for bridging Indian and Western cinematic styles.
- Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram (Kerala) – A pioneer in cardiac surgery, he led Kerala’s first successful heart transplant operation.
- Bibek Debroy (Delhi) – An economist and scholar, he is known for his literary translations and work in public policy.
- S. Ajith Kumar (Tamil Nadu) – He has dedicated his life to reviving traditional Tamil folk theatre.
- Pankaj R. Patel (Gujarat) – As the chairman of Zydus Lifesciences, he expanded India’s presence in global pharmaceuticals.
- Shobana Chandrakumar (Kerala) – A Bharatanatyam exponent and actress, she continues to inspire through her performances and cultural outreach.
- Arundhati Bhattacharya (Maharashtra) – As the first woman to lead the State Bank of India, she transformed banking leadership in India.
- Arijit Singh (West Bengal) – With his soulful voice, he redefined playback singing in modern Bollywood music.
🥉 Padma Shri 2025: Honouring Grassroots and Unsung Heroes
The Padma Shri award is a tribute to individuals who quietly but significantly uplift communities and transform lives. This year’s recipients come from remote corners of India, bringing unique stories of commitment.
- Chef Damu (Tamil Nadu) – A familiar face in kitchens and television, he promoted regional Indian cuisines both at home and abroad.
- PR Sreejesh (Kerala) – A resilient goalkeeper in Indian hockey, he stood out in international tournaments and inspired young athletes.
- Harvinder Singh (Haryana) – As a para-archer, he proved that determination triumphs over adversity, making India proud on the world stage.
- Prof. Sonia Nityanand (Uttar Pradesh) – She continues to advance medical research and education, particularly in hematology.
- Bhim Singh Bhavesh (Bihar) – A committed legal activist, he ensures justice for underrepresented tribal communities.
- Gokul Chandra Das (West Bengal) – A master Dhak drummer, he preserved the rhythmic heritage of Bengal’s festive music.
- Baijnath Maharaj (Rajasthan) – A spiritual leader and community volunteer, he dedicated his life to uplifting rural livelihoods.
- Rambahadur Rai (Uttarakhand) – A seasoned journalist, Rai’s ethical reporting and commentary have shaped national discussions.
- Budhendra Kumar Jain (Madhya Pradesh) – He tirelessly provided healthcare access in rural villages, setting up clinics in underserved areas.
- Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara (Karnataka) – Through her efforts, she has preserved folk art and empowered rural women through education.
A Celebration of India’s Diversity and Dedication
Clearly, the Padma Awards 2025 offer more than recognition—they tell stories of grit, creativity, and transformation. From a scientist developing semiconductors in the US to a folk artist reviving dying traditions in Karnataka, these individuals exemplify the best of India’s talent.
Moreover, the inclusion of posthumous awards shows India’s respect for legacy and lifelong service, ensuring their work is remembered and honoured.
Looking Ahead: A Tradition of Recognition and Gratitude
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are conferred in three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service
- Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order
- Padma Shri: Distinguished service in any field
Together, these honours serve as powerful reminders that dedication to one’s craft, whether on the world stage or in a small village, is never overlooked.
Conclusion
The Padma Awards 2025 shine a spotlight on individuals who not only achieved greatness but also used their success to uplift others. Whether they transformed global industries, preserved ancient traditions, or provided crucial services in remote regions, each winner’s story is a beacon of inspiration. As India marches forward, these awardees remind us that true progress stems from passion, perseverance, and purpose.
