The announcement of Padma Awards on January 25 set a celebratory tone ahead of Republic Day. With President Droupadi Murmu’s nod, 131 distinguished individuals from various walks of life were selected, prompting effusive praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Posting on X, PM Modi said, ‘Heartiest congratulations to all Padma Awardees for their exemplary service to the nation. Their proficiency, perseverance, and devotion in multiple arenas strengthen our society. This accolade symbolizes the enduring ethos of dedication and capability that inspires across generations.’
Joining in, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed the awardees on X for their pivotal roles in diverse fields, boosting national pride and honor.
The prestigious list includes 5 Padma Vibhushan: KT Thomas, N Rajam, P Narayanan, and posthumously Dharmendra Singh Deol and VS Achyutanandan. Padma Bhushan recipients number 13, featuring singer Alka Yagnik, actor Mammootty, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, banker Uday Kotak, and political stalwarts like Bhagat Singh Koshyari and late Shibu Soren, plus others such as Dr. Nori Dattatreyaudu and Shatavadhani R Ganesh.
Diversity shines through with 19 women, 6 international desis (NRI/PIO/OCI/foreigners), and 16 posthumous awards, complemented by 113 Padma Shris.
These honors not only celebrate past achievements but also fuel aspirations for a progressive India, perfectly aligning with the Republic Day fervor.