As India gears up for its 75th Republic Day, the government has rolled out the Padma Awards 2024, spotlighting trailblazers in public life, social service, and agriculture. The Home Ministry’s announcement on Sunday lists five for Padma Vibhushan, 13 for Padma Bhushan, and 113 for Padma Shri, reflecting a broad spectrum of achievements.
Kerala’s prominence is evident with KT Thomas and the late VS Achuthanandan (posthumous) bagging Padma Vibhushan in public affairs. Noted BJP veteran Bhagat Singh Koshyari, ex-Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and former Maharashtra Governor, secures Padma Bhushan. Jharkhand’s Shibu Soren (posthumous) joins this elite group, alongside VK Malhotra (posthumous, Delhi) and Vellappally Natesan (Kerala) for Bhushan honors. Assam’s Kabindra Purkayastha (posthumous) is among Padma Shri recipients in public service.
Social work champions are well-represented too. Tamil Nadu’s SKM Maillanandan receives Padma Bhushan, while a dozen others earn Padma Shri: Ankh Gowda M (Karnataka), Brij Lal Bhat (J&K), Dr. Budhri Tati (Chhattisgarh), Haley War (Meghalaya), Inderjeet Singh Sidhu (Chandigarh), Janardan Bapurav Bothe (Maharashtra), Kollakkal Devaki Amma (Kerala), Mohan Nagar (MP), Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandalevala (Gujarat), SG Sushila Amma (Karnataka), Swami Brahmdev Ji Maharaj (Rajasthan), and Techi Gubin (Arunachal Pradesh).
In agriculture, Maharashtra’s Shriyang Dewaba Lad, UP’s Raghu Pat Singh, and Assam’s Jogesh Deuri have been chosen for Padma Shri, acknowledging their pivotal roles in bolstering India’s farming sector. This year’s awards highlight regional diversity and grassroots impact, reinforcing the Padma tradition of celebrating unsung heroes.