Celebrating India’s Finest Citizens
President Honours 71 Individuals with Padma Awards 2025: On April 28, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Padma Awards to 71 distinguished individuals at the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Durbar Hall. These awards celebrate remarkable contributions in fields ranging from art and sports to literature, science, and public affairs. The Padma Awards are India’s second-highest civilian honours after the Bharat Ratna and are classified into three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
Honouring Artistic Excellence and Legacy
This year’s awardees included several celebrated figures in the field of art, recognised for their cultural influence and legacy. Violin maestro L. Subramaniam was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, for his decades-long contribution to Indian classical music. The late Pankaj Udhas, renowned for popularising ghazals across India, was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan. Two major film personalities also received Padma Bhushan awards — Nandamuri Balakrishna, an acclaimed actor and public servant from Andhra Pradesh, and S. Ajith Kumar, widely respected for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Recognising Excellence in Sports and Spiritual Heritage
The ceremony also recognised individuals who have elevated India’s sports and spiritual traditions. Former hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who played a key role in India’s Olympic success, was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian hockey.
In the Padma Shri category, cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin was honoured for his consistent performance in international cricket. Vedic scholar Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid was also recognised with a Padma Shri for his profound knowledge of Hindu astrology and religious timing, especially for events like the Ram Lalla Pran Pratistha in Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
Celebrating Cultural and Educational Impact
Playback singer Jaspinder Narula was conferred the Padma Shri for her musical excellence and service to Indian entertainment. Another notable name in the Padma Shri list was Stephen Knapp, an American author known for his extensive research on Vedic spirituality and Indian culture. His literary contributions have helped promote Indian heritage globally, and his honour reflects India’s appreciation for cultural ambassadors across borders.
These awardees represent India’s diverse talent pool, showcasing a blend of tradition, modernity, and global recognition.
Static GK Snapshot
| Topic | Details |
| Total Awardees in 2025 | 71 |
| Venue | Rashtrapati Bhavan, Durbar Hall |
| Highest Civilian Honour | Bharat Ratna (not awarded this year) |
| Padma Vibhushan Highlight | L. Subramaniam – Music (Art) |
| Posthumous Awardee | Pankaj Udhas – Music (Padma Bhushan) |
| Sports Honouree | P.R. Sreejesh – Hockey (Padma Bhushan), Ashwin – Cricket (Padma Shri) |
| Literary Honouree | Stephen Knapp – Literature and Education (Padma Shri) |
| Religious Scholar Honouree | Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid – Vedic Sciences (Padma Shri) |
| Award Categories | Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri |
