Celebrating Excellence Across Fields
The Government of India has conferred the prestigious Padma Awards for 2025 upon 139 distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to various fields. Among the recipients are former Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar, renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Shobana Chandrakumar, and acclaimed actor Anant Nag, each honoured for their outstanding achievements in public affairs, art, and cinema, respectively.
Former CJI Khehar: A Pillar of Justice
Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar, who served as the 44th Chief Justice of India, has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, for his exemplary service in the field of public affairs. Appointed as Chief Justice in 2017, Justice Khehar is renowned for his significant contributions to the Indian judiciary, including his role in landmark judgments and his commitment to upholding the Constitution. His tenure is marked by a dedication to justice and legal reforms, earning him respect and admiration both nationally and internationally.
Shobana Chandrakumar: A Dance Icon
Shobana Chandrakumar, a celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer and actress, has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan for her exceptional contributions to the arts. With a career spanning over four decades, Shobana has performed on prestigious stages worldwide and has been instrumental in popularizing classical dance forms. In addition to her dance career, she has acted in over 230 films across multiple languages, earning two National Film Awards for Best Actress for her performances in ‘Manichitrathazhu’ (1993) and ‘Mitr, My Friend’ (2001). Her dedication to preserving and promoting Indian classical dance has made her a revered figure in the cultural landscape.
Anant Nag: A Cinematic Legend
Anant Nag, a veteran actor with a career spanning over five decades, has been conferred the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. Having acted in more than 300 films across various languages, including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam, and English, Anant Nag is celebrated for his versatile performances in both commercial and parallel cinema. His notable works include ‘Mungaru Male’ (2006), ‘Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu’ (2016), and ‘K.G.F: Chapter 1’ (2018). Beyond his film career, Anant Nag has also been involved in theatre and television, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted artist.
A Glimpse of Other Padma Awardees
The 2025 Padma Awards also recognize several other eminent personalities for their contributions:
- Padma Vibhushan: Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous) for literature and education; Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous) for trade and industry; Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) for art.
- Padma Bhushan: Shri A Surya Prakash for literature and education-journalism; Shri Bibek Debroy (Posthumous) for literature and education; Shri Jatin Goswami for art; Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram for medicine; Shri Kailash Nath Dikshit for archaeology; Shri Manohar Joshi (Posthumous) for public affairs; Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti for trade and industry; Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna for art; Shri P R Sreejesh for sports; Shri Pankaj Patel for trade and industry; Shri Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous) for art; Shri Rambahadur Rai for literature and education-journalism; Sadhvi Ritambhara for social work; Shri S Ajith Kumar for art; Shri Shekhar Kapur for art; Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar for art; Shri Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous) for public affairs; Shri Vinod Dham for science and engineering.
Conclusion
The Padma Awards 2025 serve as a testament to the diverse and profound contributions of individuals across various sectors. From the judiciary to the arts and cinema, these honourees have left an indelible mark on their respective fields. Their recognition not only honours their personal achievements but also inspires future generations to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to society.
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