The anticipation for Republic Day reached a high note with the announcement of Padma Awards by the Union Home Ministry. Totaling 131 recipients—five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri—the list salutes contributions in public service, social work, and agriculture, among others.
Public affairs leaders dominate the headlines. Kerala’s KT Thomas and late VS Achuthanandan (posthumous) are Padma Vibhushan recipients. Veteran politician Bhagat Singh Koshyari, with his storied career as Uttarakhand CM and Maharashtra Governor, earns Padma Bhushan. Posthumous nods go to Shibu Soren (Jharkhand), VK Malhotra (Delhi), while Vellappally Natesan (Kerala) and Assam’s Kabindra Purkayastha (posthumous, Padma Shri) round out key names.
Turning to social work, SKM Maillanandan’s Padma Bhushan from Tamil Nadu underscores tireless community efforts. Padma Shri awardees form an inspiring cohort: from Karnataka’s Ankh Gowda M and SG Sushila Amma, J&K’s Brij Lal Bhat, Chhattisgarh’s Dr. Budhri Tati, Meghalaya’s Haley War, Chandigarh’s Inderjeet Singh Sidhu, Maharashtra’s Janardan Bapurav Bothe, Kerala’s Kollakkal Devaki Amma, MP’s Mohan Nagar, Gujarat’s Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandalevala, Rajasthan’s Swami Brahmdev Ji Maharaj, and Arunachal Pradesh’s Techi Gubin.
Agriculture innovators Shriyang Dewaba Lad (Maharashtra), Raghu Pat Singh (Uttar Pradesh), and Jogesh Deuri (Assam) receive Padma Shri, vital for India’s agrarian backbone. These awards not only recognize past excellence but also galvanize ongoing societal progress.