New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the Padma Awards, expressing India’s pride in honouring their extraordinary achievements on Saturday. This year, a total of 139 awards were announced, which includes seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri accolades.
In a message shared on X, Modi stated, “Congratulations to all the Padma awardees! India is proud to honour and celebrate their extraordinary achievements. Their dedication and perseverance are truly motivating. Each awardee is synonymous with hard work, passion and innovation, which has positively impacted countless lives. They teach us the value of striving for excellence and serving society selflessly.”
Among the notable awardees, former Suzuki chief Osamu Suzuki, celebrated folk singer Sharda Sinha, and acclaimed writer M T Vasudevan Nair were honoured with the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Sharda Sinha, who recently passed away, was recognised for her significant contributions to Indian music. Justice (Retd) Jagdish Singh Khehar also received this prestigious honour.
One of the inspiring stories from this year’s awards is that of Libia Lobo Sardesai, a centenarian freedom fighter from Goa. Sardesai played a crucial role in the state’s struggle for independence and co-founded ‘Voz da Liberdabe’ (Voice of Freedom) in 1955, an underground radio station that rallied resistance against Portuguese colonial rule. She was awarded the Padma Shri for her remarkable contributions.
Another standout recipient is Gokul Chandra Dey, a 57-year-old Dhak player from West Bengal. Dey has made waves in a traditionally male-dominated art form by training 150 women in Dhak playing. He also innovated by creating a lighter version of the Dhak, making it easier for performers.
In addition to the Padma Awards, the Union Home Ministry announced 95 gallantry awards, with 28 going to security personnel for their exemplary service in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas and Jammu and Kashmir. Among the honoured was Captain Deepak Singh from the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army, who received the Shaurya Chakra posthumously. Naik Dilwar Khan of the Artillery was also awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously for sacrificing in a similar mission in Kupwara district last July.
