The Padma Awards 2025 honor a remarkable range of individuals, including Libia Lobo Sardesai, a key figure in Goa’s freedom struggle, and L. Hangthing, a Nagaland farmer who revolutionized fruit cultivation. These awards celebrate exceptional contributions to society and culture.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi: The Union government on Saturday unveiled the first list of Padma Awards for the 76th Republic Day celebrations. The prestigious awards recognize a diverse range of individuals, including a centenarian freedom fighter, a pioneering fruit farmer, and a Paralympian gold medalist.
Among the awardees is Harvinder Singh, a para-archer from Kaithal, Haryana, affectionately known as “Kaithal ka Eklavya.” Singh made history by becoming the first Indian to win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Libia Lobo Sardesai, a key figure in Goa’s freedom struggle, has also been honored. Sardesai played a crucial role in establishing “Voz da Liberdade” (Voice of Freedom), an underground radio station, in 1955, mobilizing the people against Portuguese rule.
Dr. Neerja Bhatla, a Delhi-based gynecologist specializing in cervical cancer prevention and detection, has been recognized for her significant contributions to women’s healthcare.
Bhim Singh Bhavesh, a social worker from Bhojpur, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his tireless efforts in uplifting the marginalized Musahar community through his Nayee Asha foundation.
The list also includes P. Datchanamoorthy, a master of the Thavil, a South Indian classical percussion instrument, who has dedicated over five decades to enriching Indian classical music.
L. Hangthing, a fruit farmer from Noklak, Nagaland, has been honored for his pioneering efforts in cultivating non-native fruits in the region.
Other notable recipients include:
- Jagdish Joshila, a renowned Nimadi and Hindi author from Khargone, with a distinguished literary career spanning over five decades.
- Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, a celebrated husband-and-wife writer duo, recognized for their pioneering contributions to Indian travel journalism.
- Jonas Masetti, a Brazilian mechanical engineer turned spiritual leader, who has dedicated his life to promoting Indian spirituality, philosophy, and culture.
- Hariman Sharma, an innovative apple farmer from Bilaspur, who developed ‘HRMN 99,’ a groundbreaking low-chilling apple variety.
- Shaikha A. J. Al Sabah, a prominent yoga practitioner from Kuwait, who founded Daratma, Kuwait’s first licensed yoga studio.
- Naren Gurung, a versatile folk artist from Gangtok, who has dedicated six decades to preserving and promoting Sikkimese Nepali folk traditions.
- Bheru Singh Chouhan, a prolific Nirgun folk singer, recognized for his five decades of devotion to bhajan music.
- Jumde Yomgam Gamlin, a tireless social reformer from Arunachal Pradesh, who has dedicated three decades to serving his community through de-addiction and welfare programs.
The Padma Awards continue to recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals from diverse fields to Indian society and culture.
