Padma Awards 2025: Full Winners List, Categories, and Key Highlights from Rashtrapati Bhawan

The Padma Awards 2025 once again spotlighted India’s finest achievers, recognizing excellence across diverse fields including art, literature, sports, public affairs, medicine, and science. As one of India’s highest civilian honors, the Padma Awards — classified into Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — symbolize the nation’s deep gratitude to individuals whose contributions have shaped society and inspired generations.

In a grand ceremony at the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan, President Droupadi Murmu conferred honors on 71 distinguished personalities, underscoring the spirit of service, innovation, and dedication that fuels India’s progress.

This article provides a complete overview of the Padma Awards 2025 winners, key highlights from the event, and what these awards signify for India’s cultural and social fabric.

Table of Contents

• About the Padma Awards
• Highlights of the Civil Investiture Ceremony 2025
• Full Winners List Overview
• Padma Bhushan 2025 Awardees
• Notable Padma Shri 2025 Recipients
• Impact of the Padma Awards on Indian Society
• FAQs on Padma Awards 2025
• Conclusion: Celebrating Excellence Across Fields

About the Padma Awards

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 conferred in three 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 the decades, these awards have honored icons, change-makers, scholars, and legends, affirming the value of individual excellence in India’s growth story.

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.

Highlights of the Civil Investiture Ceremony 2025

The Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan on April 2025 was a grand occasion graced by top dignitaries, ministers, and the families of the awardees.

• President Droupadi Murmu personally handed over the awards in an emotionally charged ceremony.
• The event honored a total of 71 individuals across the three Padma categories.
• The ceremony paid tributes to both contemporary achievers and posthumous legends.
• Cultural performances reflecting India’s heritage were also organized, adding color and spirit to the ceremony.

This year’s awards emphasized recognizing not only national-level contributors but also those making an impact in rural sectors, indigenous traditions, and grassroots innovation.

Full Winners List Overview

Among the 71 awardees, distinguished personalities from diverse fields such as music, cinema, sports, medicine, literature, and public service were honored.

The awards were categorized as follows:

• Padma Vibhushan: 5 awardees
• Padma Bhushan: 16 awardees
• Padma Shri: 50 awardees

Some of the most notable winners include:

• L. Subramaniam — Violin maestro (Padma Vibhushan)
• Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous) — Ghazal legend (Padma Bhushan)
• Nandamuri Balakrishna — Actor and legislator (Padma Bhushan)
• P.R. Sreejesh — Hockey icon (Padma Bhushan)
• Ravichandran Ashwin — Cricket star (Padma Shri)
• Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid — Eminent Vedic scholar (Padma Shri)
• Stephen Knapp — Promoter of Indian spiritual heritage (Padma Shri)

Padma Bhushan 2025 Awardees

L. Subramaniam – Padma Vibhushan

Globally celebrated violinist L. Subramaniam was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, for his lifelong contribution to Indian classical and global music. His innovative compositions have elevated Indian music on international stages, making him a beacon of cultural excellence.

Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous) – Padma Bhushan

The late legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan. Renowned for bringing ghazals to mainstream audiences, his emotive performances have left an enduring impact. His wife, Farida Udhas, received the award on his behalf.

Nandamuri Balakrishna – Padma Bhushan

A prominent actor and public servant from Andhra Pradesh, Nandamuri Balakrishna was honored for his dual contribution to Indian cinema and public life. His dynamic performances and active role in regional development underscore his versatile achievements.

S. Ajith Kumar – Padma Bhushan

Veteran actor S. Ajith Kumar was recognized for his outstanding career in the Indian film industry. Known for his charismatic screen presence and versatility, his films have inspired millions across generations.

P.R. Sreejesh – Padma Bhushan

Former Indian hockey team goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh received the Padma Bhushan for his phenomenal contributions to Indian sports. His heroics during major tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics, revitalized Indian hockey’s global standing.

Notable Padma Shri 2025 Recipients

Jaspinder Narula – Padma Shri

Celebrated playback singer Jaspinder Narula was awarded for her vibrant musical legacy. With a voice that bridges Bollywood and Punjabi folk traditions, she remains an inspiration for aspiring artists.

Ravichandran Ashwin – Padma Shri

Cricket sensation Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s leading bowlers, was recognized for his pivotal role in India’s numerous test match victories. His mastery of spin and strategic acumen have redefined modern cricketing excellence.

Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid – Padma Shri

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

Stephen Knapp – Padma Shri

Stephen Knapp, an American author and advocate of Indian spirituality, was honored for his lifelong efforts to promote Vedic culture worldwide. His works have played a significant role in deepening global understanding of India’s rich traditions.

Impact of the Padma Awards on Indian Society

The Padma Awards are not just honors; they are instruments of inspiration. They:

• Celebrate diversity across sectors from arts to public service.
• Recognize unsung heroes working at the grassroots level.
• Strengthen India’s global image by acknowledging international contributors like Stephen Knapp.
• Inspire younger generations to pursue excellence with dedication.

Each awardee’s journey is a testimony to passion, perseverance, and service, reinforcing India’s commitment to recognizing merit over fame.

FAQs on Padma Awards 2025

1. What are the Padma Awards?
   The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors, recognizing distinguished contributions in various fields like art, education, literature, science, public affairs, and sports.
2. Who won the Padma Vibhushan in 2025?
   Renowned violinist L. Subramaniam was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his unparalleled contribution to music.
3. How are Padma Awardees selected?
   Awardees are selected based on nominations submitted by the public and recommendations from state and central governments, vetted by the Padma Awards Committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
4. Can foreign nationals receive Padma Awards?
   Yes, foreign nationals are eligible and have been honored in the past for their contribution to strengthening India’s global ties, like Stephen Knapp in 2025.
5. Where can I download the full Padma Awards 2025 winners list?
   You can access the official Padma Awards list at the Padma Awards Official Portal.

Conclusion: Celebrating Excellence Across Fields

The Padma Awards 2025 reflect India’s unwavering commitment to honoring excellence, service, and innovation across a vibrant spectrum of fields.

From global icons like L. Subramaniam and Pankaj Udhas to scholars like Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, each awardee symbolizes the spirit of India’s diverse and rich heritage.

President Droupadi Murmu’s conferral of the awards at the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan not only honored these individuals but also rekindled a sense of national pride and collective aspiration.

Key Takeaways Table

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