On 28 April 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred 71 Padma awards (4 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan and 57 Padma Shri) at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I in the Republic Pavilion of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The awards, spanning disciplines such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service, recognized both well-known stalwarts and unsung heroes. Thirteen remarkable individuals—23 women among them, 10 in the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI categories, and 13 posthumous awardees—were honored for their extraordinary contributions to society:
#1 Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid — Padma Shri (Literature & Education)
The 71-year-old Varanasi-based Vedic scholar and astrologer has devoted his life to preserving India’s Vedic heritage, promoting Vedic learning nationwide through lectures, publications, and mentorship. Born near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, he teaches at Sangveda Vidyalaya and contributes to the Girvanavagvardhini Sabha. He calculated the exact 84-second muhurtam for the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya and a 35-second window for the Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan, and later fixed auspicious timings for Kashi Vishwanath Temple’s rejuvenation. Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, from a family of Krishna Yajurveda scholars, continues to travel across India, offering lectures and rituals that preserve the nation’s spiritual heritage.
#2 Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara — Padma Shri (Art)
Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, a 96-year-old puppeteer from Koppal, Karnataka, has been honored with the Padma Shri for her exceptional contributions to Togalu Gombeyaata, a traditional leather shadow-puppetry art form. For over seven decades, she has preserved and promoted this vibrant storytelling tradition, which often narrates epic tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Shillekyathara, from a family of Togalu Gombeyaata custodians, has also trained younger generations to continue the legacy. Her lifelong dedication has kept this endangered art form alive.
#3 Stephen Knapp — Padma Shri (Literature & Education)
An American author and researcher, Knapp’s over 55 books—such as The Secret Teachings of the Vedas and The Heart of Hinduism—and hundreds of articles have introduced readers worldwide to India’s ancient knowledge systems, including the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Srimad Bhagavatam. Through lectures and writings, he has dispelled misconceptions about Indian spirituality and served as a cultural ambassador. Awarded the Padma Shri for his efforts to promote India’s spiritual heritage, Knapp said the honor feels like “Mother India recognizing” his lifelong devotion, and he thanked his spiritual masters for inspiring his work.
#4 Vinod Dham — Padma Bhushan (Science & Engineering)
Vinod Dham, known as the “Father of the Pentium Chip,” has been honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2025 for his transformative contributions to modern computing. Born in Pune in 1950, Dham played a pivotal role in developing the Pentium processor at Intel, revolutionizing personal computing. His strategic acumen also helped NexGen, which was later acquired by AMD, and he contributed to Intel’s first Flash Memory technology. Beyond his work in tech, Dham has supported Indian start-ups and is currently advising the Indian government on semiconductor manufacturing efforts, further championing India’s chip-making ambitions.
#5 Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli (“Aranya Rishi”) — Padma Shri (Art)
Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli, honored with the Padma Shri, is a renowned forest officer, author, and wildlife conservationist, widely known as “Aranya Rishi” (The Forest Sage). A career in Maharashtra’s forest department, especially in Vidarbha’s forests, inspired his literary works and conservation efforts. His books, including bestsellers like Pakshi Jaay Digantara, and dictionaries on birds, animals, and trees, enriched Marathi vocabulary and nature writing. Retiring as deputy chief conservator of forests in 1990, he continued educating others about nature. Chitampalli’s contributions to wildlife sanctuaries and literature make him a celebrated figure in conservation and Marathi literature.
#6 Subhash Khetulal Sharma — Padma Shri (Agriculture)
Subhash Khetulal Sharma, a 73-year-old farmer from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, has transformed his 16-acre farm into a model of natural farming, emphasizing soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. After abandoning chemical farming in 1994, Sharma’s productivity increased significantly by 2000, with his farm producing 400 tonnes annually. He practices a self-sustaining ecosystem, incorporating animal husbandry, rainwater harvesting, and multi-crop cultivation. Sharma’s efforts conserve one crore liters of rainwater annually and recharge groundwater. Recognized with the Padma Shri, he advocates for ecological balance and calls for government policies supporting sustainable agriculture for a better future.
#7 Libia Lobo Sardesai — Padma Shri (Social Work)
At age 100, veteran freedom fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai received the Padma Shri for her daring six-year clandestine radio campaign (1955–61) that galvanized Goa’s liberation. Born in 1924 under Portuguese rule, Sardesai joined the nationalist movement in Bombay and, with her future husband Vaman Sardesai, set up an underground station—Goenche Sodvonecho Awaz/Voz de Liberdade—in the Western Ghats. They broadcast daily updates, urged satyagrahis, and survived harsh wilderness conditions. On 19 December 1961, aboard an Indian Air Force plane, Sardesai announced Goa’s freedom in Konkani and Portuguese, marking the end of 450 years of colonial rule.
#8 Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram — Padma Bhushan (Medicine)
Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram, a pioneering cardiac surgeon from Kerala, was awarded the Padma Bhushan for revolutionizing cardiac care. Returning to India in the mid-1990s, he introduced open-heart surgery and performed Kerala’s first heart transplant in 2003. With over three decades of experience, he overcame challenges like low organ donation rates and emotional difficulties in organ harvesting. Dr. Periappuram also founded the Heart Care Foundation, helping thousands access affordable heart surgeries. He advocates for lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease and plans a “Heart Village” for patient support. His work continues to impact Kerala’s healthcare system significantly.
#9 Sadhvi Ritambhara — Padma Bhushan (Social Work)
Sadhvi Ritambhara, a Hindu saint and social worker from Ludhiana, Punjab, received the Padma Bhushan for her impactful social service and pivotal role in the Ram Mandir movement. Head of Vatsalya Gram, she pioneered a family model for orphans and destitute women and children, providing them shelter and education. A disciple of Swami Parmanand since 1982, Ritambhara—known as Didi Maa—helped guide and pacify Kar Sevaks alongside Uma Bharti during the 1992 Ayodhya movement. Her efforts blend spiritual advocacy with grassroots welfare, reflecting her belief that no one should feel orphaned on sacred Indian soil.
#10 Syed Ainul Hasan — Padma Shri (Literature & Education)
Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), has been awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to education and Persian studies. A former professor at JNU’s School of Language, Literature & Culture Studies, he has played a significant role in strengthening Indo-Iranian and Indo-Afghan cultural ties. He was instrumental in establishing the Afghan Resource Centre at JNU and has designed academic courses for several Indian universities. With a long-standing career in teaching and research, he was previously honored with the President of India’s Certificate of Honour in 2017 for his contributions to Persian language and culture.
#11 Jumde Yomgam Gamlin — Padma Shri (Social Work)
Jumde Yomgam Gamlin, a 59-year-old social worker from West Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, has been awarded the Padma Shri for her three decades of dedicated service in drug de-addiction and social reform. Founder of the NGO Mother’s Vision, she runs a 30-bed spirituality-based de-addiction and rehabilitation centre. Her efforts have led to the eradication of marijuana and opium cultivation in parts of Upper Siang, with strong community involvement. Gamlin has helped over 700 individuals recover from addiction and empowered more than 2,000 women through vocational training and financial assistance, blending recovery with livelihood and health awareness initiatives.
#12 Mahavir Nayak — Padma Shri (Art & Culture)
Mahavir Nayak, a renowned Nagpuri singer from Ranchi, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his over 50-year contribution to preserving Jharkhand’s folk music, especially through ragas like Bhinsariya, Faguwa, Pawas, and Mardani Jhumar. Born in 1942 in Uruguttu, near Ranchi, Nayak is known as the “Raja of Bhinsariya Raga.” He actively participated in the Jharkhand statehood movement alongside other folk legends and introduced progressive styles to Nagpuri music. A former HEC employee, he performed across India and abroad, including Taiwan. His daughter now carries forward his musical legacy. Nayak is widely respected for his distinct and rooted singing style.
#13 Anant Nag — Padma Bhushan (Art & Culture)
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag, awarded the Padma Bhushan, reflected on his decades-long journey in cinema, attributing the honour to the people of Karnataka and a grassroots campaign by fans and colleagues. In an interview with The Hindu, he recalled his early days in theatre, collaborations with Shyam Benegal, and challenges in promoting naturalistic acting in commercial cinema. Though he transitioned to mainstream films for financial reasons, Nag remained committed to subtle performances. He praised new-age directors like Hemanth Rao and Rishab Shetty for giving him impactful roles and expresses a desire for stronger screenwriting in the Kannada industry.
These 13 unsung heroes embody the Padma Awards’ spirit—honoring excellence, dedication, and service in fields that sustain India’s culture, knowledge, and social fabric.
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