Padma Bhushan Awards 2025: Honoring Excellence Across India
On January 25, 2025, the Government of India announced the conferment of the Padma Bhushan Awards 2025, the nation’s third-highest civilian award, to 19 distinguished individuals across various fields. These prestigious awards, presented annually on Republic Day, recognize exceptional contributions to Indian society in diverse areas such as arts, science, sports, medicine, and public affairs.
Celebrated Figures in Arts & Entertainment
Ajith Kumar (Tamil Nadu): A celebrated actor and motorsport enthusiast, Ajith Kumar is widely admired for his contributions to Tamil cinema. His acting prowess and commitment to social causes have made him a beloved figure in the South Indian film industry.
Trending #1 in India 🔥🇮🇳 #PadmabhushanAjithKumar pic.twitter.com/x8w6nqNEr8
— Ajith Kumar (@ThalaFansClub) April 28, 2025
Anant Nag (Karnataka): A respected veteran of Kannada cinema, Anant Nag is celebrated for his versatility in playing diverse roles across both film and television.
Jatin Goswami (Assam): Known for his dedication to preserving Sattriya, a traditional Indian dance form, Jatin Goswami is celebrated for his choreographic contributions and efforts in promoting cultural heritage.
Jatin Goswami, a true icon of Sattriya dance, has dedicated his life to elevating the classical art form globally. Honouring his immense contributions, he was conferred the prestigious #PadmaBhushan 2025.#PeoplesPadma #CultureUnitesAll #CulturalSpotlight pic.twitter.com/qDEyQg8U8w
— Ministry of Culture (@MinOfCultureGoI) February 26, 2025
Nandamuri Balakrishna (Andhra Pradesh): A renowned actor and politician, Balakrishna is celebrated in the Telugu film industry for his impactful performances and significant contribution to Telugu cinema.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan in the field of Art to Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna. He is a popular actor in the Telugu Cinema. During a career spanning over five decades, he acted in films of various genres and enacted memorable roles. He is also recognised for… pic.twitter.com/9ACBGQfOTj
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 28, 2025
Shekhar Kapur (Maharashtra): Internationally celebrated for his work in cinema, Shekhar Kapur has earned global recognition as a director and producer, particularly for his films that combine artistic flair with historical narratives.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan in the field of Art to Shri Shekhar Kapur. He is a visionary filmmaker whose work spans Indian and International cinema. From redefining Indian cinema with Bandit Queen to earning global acclaim with Elizabeth, he has… pic.twitter.com/c6RkqZrMFK
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 28, 2025
Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous, Maharashtra): The legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas is celebrated for his soulful contributions to Indian music, leaving an indelible mark on the ghazal genre.
President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Bhushan in the field of Art on Shri Pankaj Keshubhai Udhas (Posthumous). He was a versatile singer and he added to the popularity of ghazals. His influence spread across different segments of music lovers. He was also deeply committed… pic.twitter.com/VbNJL9J7Yk
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 28, 2025
Shobana (Tamil Nadu): A renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and actress, Shobana is celebrated for her mastery in classical dance and for being an icon in both the dance and film industries.
Impactful Figures in Medicine
Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram (Kerala): A trailblazing cardiac surgeon, Dr. Periappuram is renowned for his innovative work in heart surgery, particularly in the treatment of complex cardiovascular conditions.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan in the field of Medicine to Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram. He is a famous heart surgeon, who is known to have initiated and established advanced cardiological and cardiac surgical treatment in Kerala. He is the founder Chairman of the… pic.twitter.com/ArOLw5kDxB
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 28, 2025
Sports Excellence
P. R. Sreejesh (Kerala): P. R. Sreejesh, the goalie of the Indian national hockey team, is widely celebrated for his pivotal role in securing multiple medals for India in international competitions like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan in the field of Sports to Shri Sreejesh P. R. He is a former Indian Hockey goalkeeper and the current Coach of the Junior Indian Hockey team. Sreejesh is widely known for the double Olympic Bronze medals and for being the only… pic.twitter.com/6MFjrp9WJp
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 28, 2025
Distinguished Figures in Journalism & Public Affairs
A. Surya Prakash (Delhi): A distinguished journalist and former chairperson of Prasar Bharati, A. Surya Prakash is renowned for his significant contributions to Indian media and broadcasting.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan in the field of Literature and Education to Dr. Arkalgud Anantaramaiah Surya Prakash. He is an eminent scholar and a distinguished media professional. With over five decades of experience in print and electronic media, he has… pic.twitter.com/jtsEfdSGZx
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 28, 2025
Influential Political Figures
Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous, Bihar): The former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Sushil Kumar Modi is remembered for his leadership and vision in public service, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s governance
President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Bhushan in the field of Public Affairs on Shri Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous). He was the longest serving Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar who also held finance portfolio. He played an important role in introduction of GST in India. He… pic.twitter.com/hR2E0rU33k
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 28, 2025
Innovators in Science & Engineering
Vinod Dham (United States): Referred to as the ‘Father of the Pentium chip’, Vinod Dham is internationally acclaimed for his pioneering contributions to semiconductor technology, revolutionizing the world of computing.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan in the field of Science and Engineering to Shri Vinod Kumar Dham. Widely recognized as the “Father of Pentium,” he is known for his groundbreaking leadership in the development of Pentium microprocessor, which contributed… pic.twitter.com/IOk1DebZyr
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 28, 2025
Conclusion
These awardees represent the diverse fields of excellence that continue to shape and enrich India’s cultural, scientific, social, and political landscape. Their achievements have earned them national and international acclaim, and their Padma Bhushan recognition is a fitting tribute to their immense contributions