PM Modi: Life Stories of Padma Awardees Are Deeply Motivating

New Delhi, May 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the life journeys of Padma award winners are “deeply motivating” and praised their contributions to society.

PM Modi attended the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, where 69 people received the prestigious Padma Awards for their work in various fields. He later wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The Padma awardees have made notable contributions to our society. The life journeys of those who were conferred the Padma are deeply motivating.”

President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards, which are among India’s highest civilian honours. The Padma Awards are given in three categories:

• Padma Vibhushan – for exceptional and distinguished service

• Padma Bhushan – for distinguished service of high order

• Padma Shri – for distinguished service

This was the second part of the Padma Awards ceremony for 2025. In this round, the government honoured three Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri awardees. A total of 13 awards were given posthumously.

One of the most touching moments of the event was the posthumous Padma Vibhushan given to Dr. Sharda Sinha, a legendary Bhojpuri and folk singer. Her music deeply connected with people in India’s heartland.

Other Padma Vibhushan awardees included former Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar and classical dancer Kumudini Lakhia (posthumously).

The Padma Bhushan awards went to people like Sadhvi Ritambhara, actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna, and author A. Surya Prakash. Notable posthumous recipients included singer Pankaj Udhas, politician Manohar Joshi, and economist Bibek Debroy.

In the Padma Shri category, 57 individuals were honoured for making an impact in their local communities or in lesser-known fields. The awards highlighted contributions from across India’s diverse regions.

Importantly, 23 awardees were women, showing increased recognition of women’s achievements in all areas of life.

The Padma Awards now reflect India’s commitment to honouring not just fame, but genuine service to the nation and humanity. The 2025 ceremony celebrated the values of "Nation First, People First.