REPUBLIC DAY 2025 - The much-anticipated Padma awards for 2025 are set to be announced by India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, today, January 25, 2025, just one day before the nation celebrates Republic Day. Known as some of the highest civilian honors in India, the Padma Awards are presented in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

These prestigious awards recognize individuals across various fields, including art, social service, public affairs, science, engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature, education, sports, and civil service. Traditionally, the recipients are revealed on the eve of Republic Day by the President.

The Padma Vibhushan, the most prestigious of the three, honors individuals for exceptional and distinguished service. The Padma Bhushan is awarded for distinguished service of a high order, while the Padma Shri acknowledges distinguished contributions in any field.

Highlights of Padma Awards 2024

Last year, several notable figures were honored with the Padma awards. Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, renowned actors Chiranjeevi and Vyjayanthimala Bali, acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam, and the late M. Fathima Beevi, India’s first woman Supreme Court judge, were among the recipients.

On the eve of Republic Day 2024, the Central government announced that the Padma Vibhushan would be awarded to M. Venkaiah Naidu, Chiranjeevi, Vyjayanthimala Bali, and Padma Subrahmanyam. Additionally, Bindeshwar Pathak, the late founder of Sulabh International, was posthumously honored with the same award.

Overview of Padma Awards 2024

In 2024, a total of 132 individuals were recognized with Padma awards, a significant increase from the 106 recipients in 2023. The breakdown included five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awards. Notably, 30 women were among the awardees, along with nine individuals from the “Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI” category, and nine posthumous recipients.

A Brief History of the Padma Awards

The Padma awards were first introduced in 1954. Initially, the categories were called Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg, but they were renamed Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri in 1955. Announced annually on Republic Day, these awards continue to honor outstanding achievements across a wide range of fields.

The Padma Awards are open to anyone, regardless of their background, occupation, or position. Whether you are from a rural village or a bustling city, whether you are a renowned artist or a dedicated social worker, you are eligible for these prestigious awards.

The only exceptions are government servants, including those working with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). However, there are two notable exceptions within this group: doctors and scientists. They are eligible for the Padma Awards, recognizing their vital contributions to society.

Lookback of Padma Awards 2024: Spotlight on Arts & Cinema

Five exceptional individuals received the esteemed Padma Vibhushan Award in 2024, recognizing their remarkable service to the nation. In 2024, the spotlight shone brightly on the arts, with three awardees being felicitated for their incredible contributions.

Among them was the timeless beauty Vyjayantimala Bali, a Tamil Nadu-based actress and dancer, who was honored for her enduring impact on Indian cinema and the performing arts.
Telugu cinema's megastar Konidela Chiranjeevi, also a devoted philanthropist, was recognized for his decades-long influence on the film industry.

Last but not least, the revered Bharatanatyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam from Tamil Nadu was celebrated for her unparalleled contributions to Indian classical dance, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.