Synopsis
The Padma Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan celebrated 71 exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to society. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards, which highlight achievements in art, sports, literature, and more. Discover the inspiring stories behind these honorees!Key Takeaways
- The ceremony recognized 71 individuals for their exceptional contributions.
- Padma Awards include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri categories.
- Notable figures from various fields were honored, including arts and sports.
- The awards reflect India's rich cultural heritage and achievements.
- President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of recognition in inspiring future generations.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday awarded the esteemed Padma Awards to 71 remarkable personalities during the Civil Investiture Ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan's Durbar Hall. The accolades comprised four Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri awards, acknowledging extraordinary achievements across various sectors.
This event represented the initial phase of Padma Award presentations for the year 2025.
Notable violinist L. Subramaniam received the Padma Vibhushan for his significant contributions to the artistic sphere. Additionally, the late Osamu Suzuki, former CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, was honored posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan for his impact on trade and industry, with his son Toshihiro Suzuki accepting the award on his behalf.
In the realm of art, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, actor and Andhra Pradesh legislator Nandamuri Balakrishna, actor S. Ajith Kumar, and the late singer Pankaj Udhas received the Padma Bhushan. The award for Pankaj Udhas was graciously accepted by his wife Farida Udhas. Former Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh was honored with the Padma Bhushan for his sports achievements.
Among the Padma Shri awardees were playback singer Jaspinder Narula for her musical contributions and Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin for his excellence in sports.
Prominent Vedic scholar Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid was also awarded the Padma Shri, recognized for determining auspicious timings for significant events like the consecration of Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya and the foundation ceremony of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi.
American author and researcher Stephen Knapp, known for his contributions to Vedic culture and spirituality, was honored with the Padma Shri for his literary and educational achievements.
The Padma Awards, considered among India's highest civilian honors, are bestowed annually to individuals for remarkable service in areas such as art, public affairs, science and engineering, medicine, social work, literature, and education.