India Honours Its Finest: Full List and Highlights of Padma Awards 2025

India’s civilian awards, the Padma Awards, are a mark of the nation’s deep respect for the contributions made by its citizens and foreign nationals in various disciplines. Instituted in 1954, these awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Each year, the awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day and presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

In 2025, a total of 139 individuals were recognized for their outstanding service in fields such as arts, literature, science, public affairs, medicine, sports, social work, and trade and industry. This year’s list features a balanced mix of eminent personalities and unsung heroes from across the country and abroad.




Padma Vibhushan 2025 – For Exceptional and Distinguished Service

The Padma Vibhushan is India’s second-highest civilian award. This year, 7 recipients were honored, including posthumous awards.

RecipientFieldState/Country
D. Nageshwara ReddyMedicineTelangana
Jagdish Singh KheharPublic AffairsChandigarh
Kumudini LakhiaArts (Dance)Gujarat
L. SubramaniamArts (Music)Karnataka
M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous)Literature & EducationKerala
Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous)Trade & IndustryJapan
Sharda Sinha (Posthumous)Arts (Folk Music)Bihar

These individuals have not only excelled in their respective domains but also enriched India’s cultural and intellectual fabric.

Padma Bhushan 2025 – For Distinguished Service of High Order

The Padma Bhushan was awarded to 19 personalities this year. This category features individuals who have significantly contributed to their professions and have had a large-scale impact.

Some notable recipients include:

  • Nandamuri Balakrishna – Celebrated actor and politician from Andhra Pradesh.

  • Shekhar Kapur – Internationally acclaimed filmmaker known for works like Elizabeth.

  • Arundhati Bhattacharya – Former Chairperson of State Bank of India, recognized for her contributions to banking and finance.

  • Krishen Khanna – Veteran artist whose works reflect India’s changing socio-political landscape.

These recipients reflect a diversity of excellence from banking to fine arts, from cinema to public service.

Padma Shri 2025 – For Distinguished Service in Any Field

The Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, was conferred on 113 individuals, many of whom are grassroots workers, selfless volunteers, and unsung heroes who have worked quietly behind the scenes.

Some of the prominent awardees include:

  • Ajith Kumar – Popular Tamil film actor known for his versatility and philanthropy.

  • Ravichandran Ashwin – Star cricketer from Tamil Nadu, known for his exceptional performances in international cricket.

  • Pankaj Udhas – Ghazal maestro who has contributed immensely to Indian music.

  • Dr. Ilham Ahmed – A Sri Lankan social reformer working for reconciliation and peace in the region.

This segment of awardees often includes those from tribal communities, rural educators, organic farmers, folk artists, and innovators working at the grassroots level.

Award Ceremony Highlights

The Padma Awards 2025 were presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a grand ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and other dignitaries.

The event was not only a celebration of individual excellence but also a reflection of India’s rich diversity, resilience, and progress across disciplines.

Conclusion

The Padma Awards 2025 once again reaffirm the nation's commitment to recognizing merit, dedication, and selfless service. With recipients from different walks of life and from across the globe, this year's list is a testament to India’s inclusive approach to honoring greatness.

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