Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, economist Bibek Debroy, Hindutva protagonist Sadhvi Ritambhara are recipients of Padma Bhushan

Malayalam writer and director MT Vasudevan Nair, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation Osamu Suzuki, former chief justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar will be conferred with India's second highest Padma Vibhushan award. 

The official announcement made on the eve of Republic Day also said that the Padma Vibhushan award will also be given to violinist L Subramaniam, dancer Kumudini Lakhia and Dr D Nageshwara Reddy, a gastroenterologist.

Recipients of the Padma Bhushan (third highest civilian award in India) award include Tamil actor Ajith Kumar, ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, economist Bibek Debroy, vocal and often Hindutva protagonist Sadhvi Ritambhara, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and actors Anant Nag and Nandamuri Balakrishna.

Former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Sushil Kumar Modi, folk singer Sharda Sinha, and hockey player PR Sreejesh are among the 139 individuals who will be conferred with the Padma awards, which were announced on the eve of the 76th Republic Day.

Sharda Sinha and Sushil Kumar Modi will be conferred the award posthumously.

Of the 139 Padma awards, seven individuals will receive the Padma Vibhushan, 19 will be honoured with the Padma Bhushan, and 113 will be conferred with the Padma Shri.

Similarly, singer Arijit Singh, cricketer R Ashwin, music composer Ricky Kej, noted theatre director Barry John, and Paralympic archer Harvinder Singh are among those who will be conferred with the Padma Shri award.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Padma award winners. He said, "India is proud to honour and celebrate their extraordinary achievements. Their dedication and perseverance are truly motivating."

"Each awardee is synonymous with hardwork, passion and innovation, which has positively impacted countless lives. They teach us the value of striving for excellence and serving society selflessly," he added in the X post.

Padma Vibhushan:

Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy

Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar

Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia

Lakshminarayana Subramaniam

MT Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous)

Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous)

Sharda Sinha (Posthumous)

Suzuki

Osamu Suzuki was described by Reuters as an "ingenious pennypincher" who led Japan's Suzuki Motor (7269.T), had opened new tab for more than four decades and played a key role in turning India into a flourishing auto market.

Hindutva protagonist Sadhvi Rithambara was associated with Ram Mandir movement.

Born 31st December, 1963, is a Hindu Vestal (Sadhvi), public speaker and nationalist ideologue.

She is the founder-chairperson of Durga Vahini, the women's wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), established in 1991.

She gained national prominence with VHP in the late 1980s through the Jan Jagran Abhiyan, and in the 1990s during the run up to the Babri Masjid demolition. 

Subsequently, she was named an accused in the Liberhan Commission report, though later acquitted by the CBI court in 2020.  

Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh is an Indian field hockey coach and former player. 

He was the captain of the national team and played as a goalkeeper. Since 2024, he is the head coach of the India men's national U-21 team. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goal keepers in the history of field hockey. 

R Ashwin (from Tamil Nadu) is an Indian former international cricketer. 

He is a right-arm off spin bowler and a lower order batter. Widely regarded as one of the most prolific spinners of all time, he represented the Indian cricket team and was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Ashwin 

President Murmu 

In her 76th Republic Day eve address, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the significance of One Nation One Election, saying it would promote consistency in governance and reduce financial burden on resources.  

"......Another measure that promises to redefine the terms of good governance is the bill introduced in Parliament to synchronise election schedules in the country. 

The One Nation One Election plan can promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden, apart from offering many other benefits," the President said. 

She said the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj was an expression of richness of the country's civilisational heritage. "India is a hub of great linguistic diversity. An exciting array of initiatives is underway in the domain of culture to preserve and revitalise our traditions and customs," she said. 

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