President Murmu confers Padma awards on 131 achievers at Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremony

President Droupadi Murmu on May 25 conferred Padma awards on 131 distinguished personalities during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognising contributions across fields including art, literature, education, medicine, public affairs, science and social service.

The Padma awards, among India’s highest civilian honours, are presented annually in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several senior ministers, diplomats and dignitaries.

Honourees from diverse fields

This year’s list included personalities from cinema, classical music, folk arts, healthcare, grassroots social work, literature, sports and public administration.

Several recipients were honoured for preserving regional cultural traditions and contributing to community welfare in remote parts of the country. The awards also recognised individuals working in tribal upliftment, environmental protection and traditional medicine.

The Padma awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day and are considered among the country’s most prestigious civilian recognitions.

One of India’s highest civilian honours

Instituted in 1954, the Padma awards recognise exceptional service or distinguished achievement across disciplines and professions.

The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, while the Padma Bhushan recognises distinguished service of a high order. The Padma Shri is given for distinguished service in various fields.

Over the years, the awards have honoured artists, scientists, sportspersons, spiritual leaders, musicians, actors, doctors and social workers from across India and abroad.

The government has increasingly highlighted “unsung heroes” in recent years — individuals working at the grassroots level whose contributions often remain outside mainstream public attention.

Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The awards were presented during a formal investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Durbar Hall in New Delhi.

Recipients were called individually to receive medallions and citations from President Murmu in the presence of senior constitutional authorities and invited guests.

The remaining awardees are expected to receive honours during additional investiture ceremonies scheduled later this year.