NEW DELHI: In line with the Modi-government’s tradition since 2014 of recognizing the contributions of unsung heroes, the 2025 Padma Shri list once again highlights individuals who have significantly contributed to Indian culture, heritage, and social progress. Released on the eve of the 76th Republic Day, the first list honors a diverse group of achievers across fields.
One of the most notable names on the list is Harvinder Singh, a para-archer from Kaithal, Haryana, fondly called “Kaithal ka Eklavya,” who became the first Indian to win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Another highlight is Libia Lobo Sardesai, a social worker from Goa who played a key role in the freedom movement by co-establishing an underground radio station, ‘Voz da Liberdade,’ to mobilize people against Portuguese rule.
The art and culture segment features stalwarts like Gokul Chandra Das, a Dhak instrument player from West Bengal who has overcome caste-related barriers to popularize the art form, and Maand and Bhajan folk singer Batool Begum from Rajasthan, who promotes Sadbhavana by singing devotional bhajans despite being from a Muslim community.
Puppetry, a traditional art form, has been preserved for over 70 years by Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyaathra, a 96-year-old Togalu Gombeyaata puppeteer from Karnataka, while Velu Aasaan from Tamil Nadu has been conserving the Pariyar instrument tradition for over four decades. Similarly, Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai, a Tangaliya weaver from Gujarat’s Dangasia community, has been instrumental in preserving the 700-year-old textile craft.
From the world of literature, conservationist and author Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli from Maharashtra stands out for his contributions to wildlife sanctuaries and education, while Madhya Pradesh’s Jagdish Joshila has been a torchbearer for Nimadi literature through his novels and plays.
Social work finds its champions in Radha Bahin Bhatt of Uttarakhand, a Gandhian who participated in the Chipko Andolan and advocates for girl child education, and Suresh Soni from Gujarat, who works for leprosy patients and the specially abled. Bhim Singh Bhavesh, a Dalit social worker from Bihar, has worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the Musahar community. Chaitram Devchand Pawar from Maharashtra has conserved a 400-hectare forest, earning him a place on the list.
India’s cultural vibrancy is further celebrated with awards to folk artists like Naren Gurung from Sikkim, who has spent 60 years preserving Sikkimese Nepal folk music, and Bheru Singh Chouhan, a Nirgun folk singer from Rajasthan. Joynacharan Bathari from Assam has dedicated six decades to Dimasa folk music, while 81-year-old Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar has preserved the Gondhali folk art of Karnataka for 60 years.
The list also includes artisans like Nirmala Delvi from Bihar, who revived Sujani embroidery, and Pandi Ram Mandavi from Chhattisgarh, a creator of the bamboo wind instrument ‘Sulur’ or ‘Bastar flute.’ P. Datchanamoorthy from Puducherry, a classical percussionist specializing in the Thavil, has also been recognized.
Farmers, too, have been honored, such as Hariman Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, who developed a variety of apples that thrive at low altitudes, and L. Hangthing from Nagaland, who introduced non-native fruits and empowered farmers across 40 villages.
International recognition goes to Shaikha A. J. Al Sabah from Kuwait, a yoga practitioner who promotes the discipline in the Gulf and co-founded Shams Youth Yoga for children. Brazilian mechanical engineer Jonas Masetti, now a Hindu spiritual leader, spreads Vedantic wisdom globally to over 1.5 lakh students.
The late Colleen Gantzer and her husband Hugh, renowned travel writers, have also been recognized posthumously for promoting India’s tourism.
