ads ads

Padma Awards 2025: Celebrating India's Exceptional Achievers

On the eve of Republic Day, the Centre announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards for 2025. Approved by the President of India, the list includes 139 distinguished individuals, comprising seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honors, recognize exceptional contributions across fields such as art, science, social work, public affairs, medicine, sports, literature, and education.

This year’s list features 23 women awardees and ten individuals from the categories of foreigners, Non-Resident Indians (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). Thirteen of the awards were conferred posthumously, paying homage to the enduring legacies of the recipients.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the awardees, stating, “India is proud to honor and celebrate their extraordinary achievements. Their dedication and perseverance are truly motivating and positively impact countless lives.”


Among the notable awardees is Harvinder Singh, a para-archer from Haryana who became the first Indian to win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Nicknamed “Kaithal ka Eklavya,” Singh was honored with the Padma Shri. The list also includes cervical cancer specialist Neerja Bhatla and Kuwaiti yoga enthusiast Shaikha AJ Al Sabah.

Libia Lobo Sardesai, a centenarian who played a vital role in Goa’s freedom movement, was also recognized. Sardesai co-founded the underground radio station ‘Voz da Liberdade’ (Voice of Freedom) in 1955 to rally resistance against Portuguese rule. Gokul Chandra Dey, a Dhak player from West Bengal who trained 150 women in the male-dominated field, was similarly honored.

Singer Arijit Singh received the prestigious Padma Shri for his contributions to Indian music, while former men’s hockey captain P R Sreejesh was awarded the Padma Bhushan. Recently retired cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin and legendary footballer I M Vijayan also featured among the Padma Shri recipients.

Additionally, para-athletics coach Satyapal Singh, who mentored Paris Paralympics gold medalist Praveen Kumar, was conferred the Padma Shri.

Last year, 132 people received these honors, including Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, actors Chiranjeevi and Mithun Chakraborty, and singer Usha Uthup. The increasing diversity of awardees reflects India’s commitment to celebrating talent and service across all sectors.

Related National

8 Indian Habits That Make Americans Uncomfortable: A US Woman’s Perspective

Kristen Fischer, an American woman who moved to India a few years ago, has sparked an online discussion by highlighting eight everyday habits in India that she believes would make most Americans uncomfortable. In a viral video, Fischer shared cultural differences she observed while living in India, from eating with hands to the absence of toilet paper in many households.Key Cultural Differences No Toilet Paper Fischer noted that toilet paper is not widely used in India, with many households relying on jet sprays instead. She explained that Americans, who are accustomed to using toilet paper, might find the alternative hygiene

Read More

Maha Kumbh Windfall: Uttar Pradesh Boatmen See Unprecedented Earnings Amid Political Controversy

The Uttar Pradesh government's claim that a boatman earned Rs 30 crore during the Maha Kumbh has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties questioning the figures. However, the state administration insists that boatmen were among the biggest beneficiaries of the 45-day religious event, which significantly boosted the local economy.According to the government's press statement, the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj provided financial relief to many working at the grassroots level. Over 1.5 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam using boats, according to Pappu Lal Nishad, president of the Prayagraj Navik Sangh. More than 4,500 boats operated round

Read More

Supreme Court Urges Social Media Regulations Without Censorship

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Centre to develop a regulatory mechanism for social media content while ensuring that it does not infringe on the right to free speech and expression. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh emphasized the need to balance freedom of expression with the necessity to prevent the misuse of digital platforms. The court stressed that any framework should involve consultations with all stakeholders and should be made available for public feedback before legislative or judicial measures are taken.The bench made these observations while hearing a plea from podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia

Read More