Padma Awards 2025: South India honourees recognised for excellence in various fields

The Padma Awards recognise individuals for exceptional contributions in public service and excellence across various sectors. Notable South Indian recipients have been honoured for achievements in medicine, art, literature, education, sports, and public affairs

South First Desk

Published Jan 26, 2025 | 12:56 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 26, 2025 | 12:56 PM

Padma Awards 2025: South India honourees recognised for excellence in various fields

The Padma Awards, one of India’s highest civilian honours, were announced today, 26 January, in recognition of distinguished contributions across various fields. 

The awards are conferred by the President of India on Republic Day every year, with the formal ceremony typically taking place at Rashtrapati Bhawan in March or April. 

This year, the President has approved the conferment of 139 Padma Awards, including 7 Padma Vibhushans, 19 Padma Bhushans, and 113 Padma Shris. 

Notably, 23 women have been honoured, and the list includes 10 Foreigners, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs, as well as 13 posthumous awardees.

About the Padma Awards

The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, are conferred annually on the recommendations of a committee, and they are one of the highest civilian honours in the country. The awards are divided into three categories:

• Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.

• Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of high order.

• Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.

The awards are a recognition of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields, with a focus on public service and excellence across various sectors.

Among the recipients, several notable figures from South India have been recognised for their contributions to fields ranging from medicine and art to literature, education, sports, and public affairs. 

Also Read: Kerala shines at Davos

Awardees from South India for 2025

Padma Vibhushan (For exceptional and distinguished service)

• Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy (Telangana) – Medicine

• Shri Lakshminarayana Subramaniam (Karnataka) – Art

• Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Kerala) – Literature and Education (Posthumous)

Padma Bhushan (For distinguished service of high order)

• Shri A Surya Prakash (Karnataka) – Literature and Education (Journalism)

• Shri Anant Nag (Karnataka) – Art

• Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram (Kerala) – Medicine

• Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti (Tamil Nadu) – Trade and Industry

• Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna (Andhra Pradesh) – Art

• Shri P R Sreejesh (Kerala) – Sports

• Shri S Ajith Kumar (Tamil Nadu) – Art

• Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar (Tamil Nadu) – Art

Padma Shri (For distinguished service in any field)

• Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara (Karnataka) – Art

• Shri Guruvayur Dorai (Tamil Nadu) – Art

• Shri Hassan Raghu (Karnataka) – Art

• Shri Inivalappil Mani Vijayan (Kerala) – Sports

• Shri K. Damodaran (Tamil Nadu) – Culinary

• Shri K L Krishna (Andhra Pradesh) – Literature and Education

• Smt. K Omanakutty Amma (Kerala) – Art

• Shri Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer (Tamil Nadu) – Literature and Education (Journalism)

• Shri M D Srinivas (Tamil Nadu) – Science and Engineering

• Shri Madugula Nagaphani Sarma (Andhra Pradesh) – Art

• Shri Manda Krishna Madiga (Telangana) – Public Affairs

• Shri Miriyala Apparao (Andhra Pradesh) – Art (Posthumous)

• Shri Prashanth Prakash (Karnataka) – Trade and Industry

• Shri Purisai Kannappa Sambandan (Tamil Nadu) – Art

• Shri R Ashwin (Tamil Nadu) – Sports

• Shri R G Chandramogan (Tamil Nadu) – Trade and Industry

• Shri Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy (Tamil Nadu) – Art

• Shri Ricky Gyan Kej (Karnataka) – Art

• Shri Seeni Viswanathan (Tamil Nadu) – Literature and Education

• Shri Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Panchamukhi (Andhra Pradesh) – Literature and Education

• Shri Velu Aasaan (Tamil Nadu) – Art

• Shri Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar (Karnataka) – Art

• Smt. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane (Karnataka) – Medicine

These recipients represent the diverse cultural, social, and intellectual fabric of South India, spanning a wide range of disciplines such as art, medicine, sports, public affairs, literature, and more. 

Their contributions have not only enriched their respective fields but also significantly impacted society at large, earning them this prestigious recognition.

The Padma Awards serve as a testament to the exceptional service and dedication these individuals have shown in their respective domains, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.

(Compiled by Ananya Rao)

Follow us