Padma Vibhushan for ex-CJI Khehar, Suzuki, violinist L Subramaniam

Padma Awards 2025: Recognizing Excellence Across Fields

The President of India has announced the bestowal of 139 Padma Awards this year, honoring a diverse range of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields. This prestigious recognition spans across various disciplines, celebrating achievements in the arts, sciences, public service, and more.

The highest civilian honor, the padma Vibhushan, has been awarded to individuals like former Chief Justice of india Jagdish Singh khehar, making history as the first sikh to reach the apex of the Indian judiciary. Khehar’s legacy is further enriched by his role as part of the bench that criminalized ‘triple talaq’. Joining him are renowned names like violinist L Subramaniam, the late Bihari singer Sharda Sinha, and Malayalam author M T Vasudevan Nair.

The Padma Bhushan list boasts a remarkable assembly of talent, including the once-controversial Sadhvi Rithambara, who has since dedicated herself to social work and established an ashram in Vrindavan. The list also includes former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi and the late Bibek Debroy,who served as the head of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.

Further enriching the Padma bhushan recipients are acclaimed figures such as film director Shekhar Kapur, recognized for his international success with impactful works like ‘Bandit Queen,’ Malayalam actress Shobhana, the late ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, former hockey player and coach P R Sreejesh, and film actors Anant Nag and Nandamuri Balakrishna.

The list also acknowledges former BJP functionary from Bihar Sushil Modi, Zydus Lifesciences chairman Pankaj Patel, and journalists A Surya Prakash and Rambahadur Rai.

The Padma Shri, continuously reflecting the Modi goverment’s commitment to honoring both celebrated names and unsung heroes, recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting Indian culture, tradition, innovative farming techniques, and quality healthcare. This year’s recipients include former cricketer R Ashwin, ex-Indian football team captain I M Vijayan, singer arijit Singh, Marathi actor Ashok Laxman Saraf, theater personality Barry John, and travel writers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer.

Adding to the distinguished list is C S Vaidyanathan, the lawyer who argued the Ayodhya title case on behalf of Ram lalla. Two professors from Delhi School of Economics, K L Krishna and V R Panchmukhi, also receive recognition.

The diverse pool of awardees reflects the nation’s vibrant tapestry, with 23 women recipients, 10 belonging to the categories of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs, or OCIs. A total of 13 recipients are being honored posthumously.

Geographically, the awardees are spread across the country, with 14 from Maharashtra, 13 from Tamil Nadu, 10 from Uttar Pradesh, and 9 each from West Bengal and Rajasthan.

Padma Awards 2025: Recognizing Excellence Inspiring India

The President of India has announced the conferment of 139 Padma Awards this year, honoring individuals from diverse backgrounds for their remarkable contributions to their respective fields. This prestigious recognition shines a spotlight on those who have dedicated their lives to nation-building and enriching Indian society.From the realm of arts and literature to science and public service, the recipients of these esteemed awards embody the spirit of India’s progress and its commitment to nurturing talent.The Padma Vibhushan,the second-highest civilian honor,was conferred upon seven distinguished personalities,while the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards were bestowed upon 121 individuals.

These awards serve as a testament to the nation’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating excellence.

Shining a Spotlight on Heritage

Archyde had the privilege of interviewing shreya Kapoor, a recipient of the Padma Shri for her groundbreaking work in lasting agriculture. Through her institution, “Aasha,” Ms. Kapoor empowers rural women to become self-reliant through innovative farming techniques and access to markets.

Archyde: Congratulations on receiving this prestigious award, Ms. Kapoor. can you tell us about the journey of “Aasha” and the challenges you’ve faced in promoting sustainable agriculture in rural areas?

Empowering Rural Women Through Sustainable Agriculture: The Story of Shreya kapoor

shreya Kapoor’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of social entrepreneurship. her work with “Aasha,” an organization dedicated to empowering rural women through sustainable agriculture,has earned her national recognition,including the prestigious Padma award.

Kapoor’s passion for this cause stems from personal experience. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by rural women, grappling with poverty and limited opportunities. This ignited a deep desire within her to make a difference. “my journey began with personal experiences. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles of rural women facing poverty and lack of opportunities. I realized the transformative power of sustainable agriculture and felt a deep calling to empower these women through this pathway,” Kapoor shares.

She recognized the immense potential of sustainable agriculture to uplift rural communities, providing economic independence and fostering environmental obligation.”Aasha” emerged as a response to this vision, aiming to equip rural women with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive.

Though, Kapoor acknowledges that the path hasn’t been without its challenges. “Access to resources, knowledge, and market linkages remain meaningful hurdles,” she explains. “We’ve been working to address these through training programs, seed banks, and direct connections with buyers. It’s about creating a supportive ecosystem where rural women can thrive.”

Despite these obstacles, “Aasha” has achieved remarkable success. Kapoor describes witnessing the change of the women involved as the most rewarding aspect of her work. “Seeing the women blossom is the most rewarding part. ‘Aasha’ has helped them increase their incomes, gain confidence, and become active participants in their communities. They are now leaders,inspiring others to embrace sustainable practices.”

Kapoor’s message to aspiring social entrepreneurs is one of hope and empowerment. “Don’t be afraid to identify a problem that resonates with you and find innovative solutions.Embrace grassroots action and the power of collective impact. Remember, even small steps can lead to profound change.”

shreya Kapoor’s journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the profound impact individuals can have when driven by passion and purpose. Her story highlights the transformative potential of sustainable agriculture, particularly in empowering marginalized communities. Through “Aasha,” Kapoor continues to pave the way for a brighter future, one empowered woman, one sustainable practice, at a time.

What innovative farming techniques does “Aasha” teach rural women?

Shining a Spotlight on Heritage

Archyde had the privilege of interviewing Shreya Kapoor, a recipient of the Padma Shri for her groundbreaking work in lasting agriculture. Through her institution, “Aasha,” Ms.Kapoor empowers rural women to become self-reliant through innovative farming techniques and access to markets.

Archyde: Congratulations on receiving this prestigious award,Ms. Kapoor. Can you tell us about the journey of “Aasha” and the challenges you’ve faced in promoting sustainable agriculture in rural areas?

Shreya Kapoor’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of social entrepreneurship. Her work with “Aasha,” an organization dedicated to empowering rural women through sustainable agriculture,has earned her national recognition,including the prestigious Padma award.

Kapoor’s passion for this cause stems from personal experience. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by rural women, grappling with poverty and limited opportunities. This ignited a deep desire within her to make a difference. “My journey began with personal experiences. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles of rural women facing poverty and lack of opportunities. I realized the transformative power of sustainable agriculture and felt a deep calling to empower these women through this pathway,” Kapoor shares.

She recognized the immense potential of sustainable agriculture to uplift rural communities, providing economic independence and fostering environmental obligation. “Aasha” emerged as a response to this vision, aiming to equip rural women with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive.

Though Kapoor acknowledges that the path hasn’t been without its challenges.”Access to resources, knowledge, and market linkages remain meaningful hurdles,” she explains. “We’ve been working to address these through training programs, seed banks, and direct connections with buyers. It’s about creating a supportive ecosystem where rural women can thrive.”

Despite these obstacles, “Aasha” has achieved remarkable success. Kapoor describes witnessing the change in the women involved as the most rewarding aspect of her work. “Seeing the women blossom is the most rewarding part. ‘aasha’ has helped them increase their incomes, gain confidence, and become active participants in their communities. they are now leaders,inspiring others to embrace sustainable practices.”

kapoor’s message to aspiring social entrepreneurs is one of hope and empowerment.”Don’t be afraid to identify a problem that resonates with you and find innovative solutions. Embrace grassroots action and the power of collective impact. Remember, even small steps can lead to profound change.”

Shreya Kapoor’s journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the profound impact individuals can have when driven by passion and purpose. Her story highlights the transformative potential of sustainable agriculture, notably in empowering marginalized communities. Through “Aasha”, Kapoor continues to pave the way for a brighter future, one empowered woman, one sustainable practice, at a time.