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The Republic Day eve of 2025 witnessed the announcement of the prestigious Padma Awards, India's highest civilian honors. The list, comprising 139 awards, included seven Padma Vibhushan, nineteen Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, a testament to the diverse achievements and contributions of individuals across various fields. The awards recognized a remarkable spectrum of talent and dedication, spanning legal expertise, artistic brilliance, medical advancements, and social activism. Among the most notable recipients was Justice (retired) Jagdish Singh Khehar, former Chief Justice of India. His inclusion underscores the recognition of his significant contributions to the Indian judiciary, particularly his dissenting opinion in the landmark triple talaq case. This decision, though a minority view at the time, played a vital role in shaping the subsequent legal discourse and the ultimate outlawing of the practice. The inclusion of Justice Khehar demonstrates the government's commitment to acknowledging diverse perspectives and the significant impact of legal interpretations on social change.
Beyond the legal domain, the Padma Vibhushan also celebrated the achievements of renowned artists. Kathak dancer Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia, a maestro of Indian classical dance, was recognized for her lifetime dedication to preserving and promoting this art form. Her contributions extend beyond mere performance; her efforts in teaching and mentoring countless aspiring dancers have shaped the landscape of Kathak dance in India and beyond. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, a celebrated violinist, received the award for his exceptional musical contributions, adding to the already rich tapestry of Indian classical music. His virtuosity and innovations have garnered international acclaim, further solidifying India's position as a global hub for musical excellence. The posthumous recognition of M.T. Vasudevan Nair, a literary icon, Osamu Suzuki, the automotive pioneer, and Sharda Sinha, the prolific Bhojpuri and Maithili singer, is another testament to the enduring influence of these individuals and the recognition of their impactful legacies.
The Padma Bhushan awards, representing a further tier of recognition, celebrated a diverse range of achievements. Economist Bibek Debroy, a prolific writer and commentator on Indian economic policy, was posthumously recognized for his extensive contributions to the field. The posthumous awards of ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi, and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi highlight the remarkable contributions of these individuals across diverse spheres of politics and culture. The inclusion of Shekhar Kapur, a visionary filmmaker renowned for his unique cinematic style, P.R. Sreejesh, a decorated Olympic hockey player, actor Anant Nag, and Assam’s folk culture exponent Jatin Goswami, amongst others, underscores the wide reach of the award, encompassing cinematic artistry, sporting excellence, and preservation of cultural heritage. The awarding of Padma Bhushan to Sadhvi Rithambhara, a controversial figure involved in the Babri Masjid demolition, despite facing criminal charges, has sparked debate and raised questions regarding the criteria for selecting awardees and the balance between recognizing contributions and acknowledging controversial pasts.
The Padma Shri awards, the third highest civilian honour, showcased an equally impressive range of talent and accomplishment. The inclusion of singers like Arijit Singh and cricketers like R. Ashwin, highlights the significant contributions of these popular personalities to their respective fields and their widespread influence on the Indian populace. The overall list of Padma Awards in 2025 highlights the breadth and depth of India's talent across various sectors. It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to nation-building, whether through the interpretation of laws, the creation of art, the advancements of medicine, the promotion of sports, or countless other spheres of contribution. The diverse backgrounds and achievements of these individuals underscore India's dynamic and multifaceted society and celebrates the transformative power of individual contributions. The 23 women awardees and 10 foreign/NRI recipients further highlight the global reach and inclusivity of the award system.
However, the inclusion of certain individuals has sparked considerable debate and discussion. The award of a Padma Bhushan to Sadhvi Rithambhara, in light of her involvement in the Babri Masjid demolition and subsequent legal proceedings, has raised significant questions about the selection process and the weight given to controversial aspects of recipients' pasts. This highlights the complexities involved in recognizing contributions while addressing controversial actions or affiliations. The selection process and the criteria used to determine eligibility for the Padma Awards remain subject to ongoing discussions and scrutiny, reminding us of the need for transparent and consistent selection criteria that balance recognition of merit and accountability for past actions. The transparency surrounding the selection process needs to be further improved, with clear guidelines publicly available to ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of these prestigious awards. The public discourse surrounding such choices underlines the importance of continuous review and refinement of the selection procedures to ensure that they align with evolving societal values and expectations. The legacy of the Padma Awards hinges on their ability to consistently represent the highest achievements of Indian citizens while also embracing ethical considerations.
Source: Former CJI, violinist, and Kathak dancer among Padma Vibhushan awardees