In a glittering announcement ahead of Republic Day, the government unveiled the Padma Awards list, saluting 131 luminaries for their stellar contributions. The business world grabbed headlines with Uday Kotak of Kotak Mahindra Bank earning the coveted Padma Bhushan for his transformative role in Indian finance.
Three entrepreneurs secure Padma Shri: Ashok Khade, whose Das Offshore Engineering has bolstered Maharashtra’s maritime prowess, and Satyanarayan Nuwal, whose Solar Industries is a pillar in India’s defense manufacturing landscape. TT Jagannathan of Prestige earns a posthumous Padma Shri, his kitchenware empire still a household name.
This year’s tally features five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan, and 113 Shri awards, including 19 women honorees, six from overseas Indian diaspora, and 16 posthumous recognitions. These honors, instituted post-independence, rank Padma Vibhushan as the second-highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna, followed by Bhushan and Shri.
Criteria emphasize distinguished service: exceptional for Vibhushan, high-order for Bhushan, and field-specific excellence for Shri. Announced annually on Republic Day eve, the awards spotlight achievements in varied domains like trade, arts, and public service.
The presentation ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in spring will see the President personally honoring these icons, reinforcing India’s culture of gratitude towards nation-builders. This announcement not only celebrates individual triumphs but also inspires collective aspiration.
