Padma Awards 2025: Full Winners List, Categories & Ceremony Highlights

The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 to recognize achievements in all spheres of activities where an element of public service is involved. They are among India’s highest civilian honors, conferred in three distinct categories:

• Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service
• Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a high order
• Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field

Over seven decades, these awards have honored icons, change-makers, scholars, and legends from diverse fields including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The awards affirm the value of individual excellence in India’s growth story.

Significantly, the nominations are open to the public, ensuring that unsung heroes and trailblazers from remote corners of India also receive recognition alongside nationally celebrated figures. This democratic process has brought visibility to grassroots innovators, folk artists, and community workers whose contributions might otherwise remain unnoticed.

The Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan in April 2025 was a grand occasion graced by top dignitaries, ministers, military officials, and the families of the awardees. The ceremony, held in the magnificent Durbar Hall, was a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and democratic values.

Key highlights of the ceremony included:

• Presidential Conferral: President Droupadi Murmu personally handed over the awards in an emotionally charged ceremony, exchanging words of encouragement with each recipient
• Diverse Recognition: The event honored 71 individuals across three Padma categories, representing fields from classical music to hockey, from Vedic scholarship to cinema
• Posthumous Tributes: Several awards were conferred posthumously, with family members receiving the honors on behalf of departed legends like ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas
• Cultural Celebrations: The ceremony featured cultural performances reflecting India’s heritage, adding color and spirit to the solemn occasion
• Grassroots Focus: This year’s awards emphasized recognizing not only national-level contributors but also those making an impact in rural sectors, indigenous traditions, and community innovation

The presence of dignitaries from various walks of life — from sports icons to spiritual leaders, from film stars to scientists — showcased the truly diverse nature of excellence that the Padma Awards celebrate.

The Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award (after Bharat Ratna), was conferred on 5 exceptional individuals whose contributions have had a transformative impact on their respective fields and on Indian society.

The most prominent Padma Vibhushan recipient this year was L. Subramaniam, the globally celebrated violinist whose innovative compositions have elevated Indian classical music on international stages. His journey from traditional Carnatic music to fusion collaborations has made him a cultural ambassador, bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions.

L. Subramaniam’s recognition with the Padma Vibhushan acknowledges not just artistic excellence but also his role in making Indian music accessible and appealing to global audiences. His compositions for international orchestras and collaborations with world-renowned musicians have demonstrated the universal language of music while maintaining deep roots in Indian classical tradition.

The Padma Bhushan, awarded for distinguished service of a high order, was conferred on 16 exceptional achievers whose contributions span cinema, sports, music, and public service. This year’s Padma Bhushan recipients represent the diverse tapestry of Indian excellence.

Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous): The late legendary ghazal singer was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan for bringing ghazals to mainstream audiences. His emotive performances and soulful renditions left an enduring impact on Indian music. His wife, Farida Udhas, received the award on his behalf in a touching moment during the ceremony.

Nandamuri Balakrishna: The prominent actor and legislator from Andhra Pradesh was honored for his dual contribution to Indian cinema and public life. His dynamic performances in Telugu cinema and active role in regional development underscore his versatile achievements spanning entertainment and governance.

S. Ajith Kumar: The veteran Tamil actor was recognized for his outstanding career spanning over three decades in Indian cinema. Known for his charismatic screen presence and versatility, his films have inspired millions across generations and established him as one of South Indian cinema’s most bankable stars.

P.R. Sreejesh: The former Indian hockey team goalkeeper, fondly called “The Wall,” received the Padma Bhushan for his phenomenal contributions to Indian sports. His heroics during major tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics where India won a historic bronze medal, revitalized Indian hockey’s global standing and inspired a new generation of players.

The Padma Shri, recognizing distinguished service in any field, was awarded to 50 remarkable individuals whose contributions exemplify dedication and excellence. Among the notable recipients:

Jaspinder Narula: The celebrated playback singer was awarded for her vibrant musical legacy that bridges Bollywood and Punjabi folk traditions. Her powerful voice has made her an inspiration for aspiring artists, with hit songs that have become cultural touchstones.

Ravichandran Ashwin: The cricket sensation and one of India’s leading bowlers was recognized for his pivotal role in India’s numerous Test match victories. His mastery of spin bowling and strategic acumen have redefined modern cricketing excellence, making him one of the most successful off-spinners in cricket history.

Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid: The noted Vedic scholar has been instrumental in conducting ceremonies for major religious milestones, including the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor foundation event. His erudition in Vedic sciences continues to influence India’s spiritual practices and temple traditions.

Stephen Knapp: An American author and advocate of Indian spirituality was honored for his lifelong efforts to promote Vedic culture worldwide. His works, written under his spiritual name Śrīpāda Nandanandana dāsa, have played a significant role in deepening global understanding of India’s rich spiritual traditions, demonstrating that Padma Awards transcend national boundaries to recognize genuine contribution.

The Padma Awards are not merely ceremonial honors — they are powerful instruments of social inspiration and cultural affirmation. Their impact on Indian society operates at multiple levels:

1. Celebrating Diversity: By recognizing excellence across sectors from arts to public service, from traditional crafts to modern science, the awards showcase India’s pluralistic ethos. They demonstrate that merit exists in every corner of society and every field of endeavor.

2. Spotlighting Unsung Heroes: The open nomination system has enabled recognition of grassroots workers, folk artists, indigenous knowledge keepers, and community innovators who might never have received national attention otherwise. This validates the worth of their contributions and brings visibility to important but overlooked fields.

3. Strengthening Global Image: By acknowledging international contributors like Stephen Knapp, the awards demonstrate India’s cultural confidence and openness. They position India as a civilization that attracts global minds and values universal human excellence.

4. Inspiring Youth: Each awardee’s journey serves as a roadmap for younger generations, showing that dedication, perseverance, and service lead to recognition. The awards create role models across diverse fields, expanding the imagination of what’s possible for young Indians.

5. Preserving Heritage: Recognition of traditional artists, craftspeople, and knowledge keepers helps preserve endangered art forms and indigenous wisdom. The awards provide economic and social capital to practices that might otherwise disappear in the face of modernization.