In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed: “Commemorating excellence & contributions to society. Congratulations to our distinguished friends from abroad on being selected for Padma Awards 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu for their outstanding contribution in various fields.”

Among the notable international honorees is Osamu Suzuki of Japan, who has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in the Trade and Industry category for his monumental impact on the global business world.

Vinod Dham from the United States has been conferred the Padma Bhushan in Science and Engineering for his pioneering contributions to the field of technology and innovation.

Eight individuals have been honored with the Padma Shri award, including prominent figures such as Ajay V Bhatt, Sethuraman Panchanathan from the US, and Chetan E Chitnis from France, all recognized for their work in science and engineering. The Padma Shri in Literature and Education was awarded to Stephen Knapp, Nitin Nohria (both from the US), and Arvind Sharma from Canada, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to academia and intellectual growth.

Additionally, the Padma Shri in Spiritualism was awarded to Jonas Masetti from Brazil, while Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from Kuwait received the award in the field of Medicine.

The Padma Awards, categorized into Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are conferred by the President of India in recognition of distinguished service to the nation and society. The awards are presented at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, typically in March or April each year.

The list of Padma Awardees for 2025 includes a total of 139 honorees, with 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. Among the awardees are 23 women, alongside 10 distinguished foreign nationals, non-resident Indians (NRIs), persons of Indian origin (PIOs), and overseas citizens of India (OCIs). The awards also recognize 13 posthumous honorees, reflecting a broad and diverse range of contributions.

This year’s Padma Awards highlight the global reach of India’s recognition of outstanding contributions across various fields, celebrating those who have helped shape the country’s international standing and made a lasting impact on society.

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Outstanding Awardees of 2025

Among the notable names in the list is Harvinder Singh, the para-archer from Kaithal, Haryana, who made history by winning India’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games. He has been awarded the Padma Shri for his remarkable achievement. Also being honored is Arijit Singh, the soulful singer known for his melodic voice, who receives the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian music.

Other significant figures include Sadhvi Ritambhara, a prominent social worker, and Osamu Suzuki, the former CEO of Suzuki Motors, who are both recipients of the Padma Bhushan. In the Padma Vibhushan category, we see the posthumous awards of Sharda Sinha, a legendary folk singer, and Osamu Suzuki, recognizing their monumental contributions to their respective fields.

The list also features individuals who have excelled in diverse areas such as economist Bibek Debroy, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi, and the celebrated Indian hockey player PR Sreejesh. Shekhar Kapur, the renowned film director, and Pankaj Udhas, a prominent playback singer, are among the distinguished recipients of the Padma Bhushan.

Posthumous Honors and Diverse Contributions

Among the 113 Padma Shri awardees, we find recognition for individuals who have made lasting impacts in their fields. Ricky Kej, a Grammy-winning musician, and Stephen Knapp, an American author and researcher on Vedic culture, are among those honored for their global contributions.

Additionally, Neerja Bhatla, a specialist in cervical cancer, and Shaikha AJ Al Sabah, a Kuwaiti yoga practitioner, are notable names in the Padma Shri list. The awards also pay tribute to Kishore Kunal, President of the Bihar Religious Board and Secretary of Mahavir Mandir Trust, posthumously.

Recognizing Women and Global Influence

The 2025 Padma Awards also shine a spotlight on women achievers, with 23 women making it to the list. This includes Neerja Bhatla, a leading figure in medicine, and Shobana Chandrakumar, an acclaimed classical dancer, among others. Moreover, the list acknowledges contributions from across the globe, with awardees from countries like the United States, Japan, and Brazil, further emphasizing India’s growing influence on the international stage.

Categories of Recognition

The Padma Awards are given in three categories:

• Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.
• Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a high order.
• Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.

The 2025 Padma Awards honor individuals whose dedication and excellence have enriched various aspects of Indian society and beyond. These awards will be conferred by President Droupadi Murmu in a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhawan, usually held in March or April.

With this year’s Padma Awards, India once again celebrates the unsung heroes and legendary figures whose work has paved the way for progress and excellence, both within the country and internationally.

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