On the eve of Republic Day, the Union government announced the prestigious Padma awards, celebrating the immense contributions of individuals from diverse fields. This year’s honorees include posthumous awards, highlighting the lasting legacy of several distinguished personalities.
Maharashtra’s Honorees
Fourteen eminent personalities from Maharashtra were conferred Padma awards. Late Manohar Joshi, former Lok Sabha Speaker and Maharashtra Chief Minister, and renowned Fazal and playback singer Pankaj Udhas were awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously. Additionally, twelve others received the Padma Shri, including calligrapher Achyut Palav, former SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya, veteran actor Ashok Saraf, classical singer Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande, actor Shekhar Kapur, forest conservator Chaitram Pawar, singer Jaspinder Narula, naturalist Maruti Chitampalli, flautists Ronu and Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar, agricultural expert Subhash Sharma, painter Vasudev Kamat, and homoeopathy expert Dr. Vilas Dangre.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended his congratulations, noting that these achievements have enhanced the glory and reputation of their respective fields. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar echoed these sentiments, recognizing the honorees’ contributions across various sectors.
Bihar’s Honorees
The Union government also recognized several individuals from Bihar with Padma awards. Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan for her contributions to Bhojpuri and Maithili music. Former BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi was posthumously conferred the Padma Bhushan for his dedication to public service. Late Kishore Kunal, a former IPS officer and spiritual leader, received the Padma Shri for his work in public welfare and spirituality.
Dr. Hemant Kumar was honored with the Padma Shri for his contributions to healthcare, and Vijay Nityananda Surishwar was recognized for his societal welfare efforts. Social worker Bhim Singh Bhavesh, known as the “Messiah of Mushahars,” and social activist Nirmala Devi were also awarded the Padma Shri for their dedication to uplifting marginalized communities.
Kerala’s Honorees
Five eminent personalities from Kerala were conferred Padma awards, with litterateur and Jnanpith awardee M.T. Vasudevan Nair receiving the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Olympian P.R. Sreejesh and cardiologist Jose Chacko Periyapuram were awarded the Padma Bhushan. Academic and music teacher K. Omanakutty Amma and former Indian football team captain I.M. Vijayan received the Padma Shri.
Unsung Heroes Honored
At least 30 unsung heroes were recognized for their efforts towards societal change. Yoga practitioner Shaikha Sabah from Kuwait, visually impaired homoeopathy doctor Vilas Dangre from Maharashtra, and social activist Jumde Gamlin from Arunachal Pradesh were among those honored. Para-archer Harvinder Singh, spiritual leader Jonas Masetti, cervical cancer crusader Neerja Bhatla, and social worker Bhim Singh Bhavesh were also acknowledged for their significant contributions.
Other Notable Honorees
P. Dhatchanamoorthy, a Thavil instrument specialist; L. Hangthing, a fruit cultivator from Nagaland; travel bloggers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer; Nimadi author Jagdish Joshila; folk singer Bheru Singh Chauhan; folk artist Naren Gurung; and apple farmer Hariman Sharma were among the diverse group of Padma Shri recipients.
Conclusion
In total, 139 Padma awards were announced, recognizing the extraordinary achievements and contributions of individuals across various fields. The awards celebrate both prominent figures and unsung heroes, highlighting the diverse talents and dedication found throughout India.
