Sat Jan 25 16:00:00 UTC 2025: **India Announces Padma Awards 2025, Honoring Unsung Heroes and Innovators**
NEW DELHI – The Indian government on Saturday announced the recipients of the Padma Awards 2025, recognizing exceptional contributions across various fields. The prestigious awards, comprising Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, this year highlight several unsung heroes and remarkable individuals.
Among the awardees are:
* **Sheikh A.J. Al Sabah (Kuwait):** A yoga trainer who established Kuwait’s first licensed yoga studio, “Daratma,” promoting yoga using modern techniques and achieving global unity. She also co-founded Shams Youth Yoga and launched a fundraiser for Yemeni refugees. Al Sabah receives the Padma Shri in the Medicine (Yoga) category.
* **Hariman Sharma (India):** A pioneering apple farmer from Bilaspur who developed the ‘HRMN 99’ apple variety, a scab-resistant and economically viable cultivar that thrives at lower altitudes. His innovation has benefitted over one million farmers across several countries. He receives the Padma Shri in the Other (Agriculture – Apple) category.
* **Jonas Masetti (Brazil):** A mechanical engineer turned Hindu spiritual guru who has promoted Indian spirituality, philosophy, and culture globally, reaching 1.5 lakh students. He receives the Padma Shri in the Other (Spirituality – Hindu) category.
* **P. Dachanamurti (India):** A renowned Tavil player from Puducherry, recognized for his five decades of contribution to South Indian classical music. He receives the Padma Shri in the Arts category.
* **Neerja Bhatla (India):** A Delhi-based gynecologist specializing in cervical cancer detection, prevention, and management. She receives the Padma Shri in Medicine (Gynecology).
* **Harvinder Singh (India):** A Paralympic gold medalist archer from Haryana, the first Indian to achieve this feat in the sport. He receives the Padma Shri in the Sports (Para – Archery) category.
* **L. Hangthing (India):** A fruit farmer from Noklak, Nagaland, known for his expertise in cultivating non-native fruits and vegetables. He receives the Padma Shri in Other (Agriculture – Fruits).
* **Bhim Singh Bhavesh (India):** A social worker dedicated to uplifting the Musahar community in Bhojpur. He receives the Padma Shri in Social Work (Dalit).
* **Jagdish Joshila (India):** A Hindi writer who established and promoted the Nimaadi language literature. He receives the Padma Shri in Literature & Education (Nimaadi).
* **Naren Gurung (India):** A versatile folk artist from Gangtok, Sikkim, known for preserving and promoting Sikkimese Nepali folk music and dance. He receives the Padma Shri in Arts (Singing – Folk – Nepali).
* **Vilas Dangre (India):** A visually impaired homeopathic doctor who has treated over one lakh patients at nominal costs for 50 years. He receives the Padma Shri in Medicine (Homeopathy).
* **Bheru Singh Chauhan (India):** A renowned Nirgun folk singer who has dedicated over five decades to propagating devotional music. He receives the Padma Shri in Arts (Singing – Nirgun).
* **Jumde Yomgam Gamlin (India):** A social worker from West Siang, Arunachal Pradesh known for her anti-drug abuse and social reform work. She receives the Padma Shri in Social Work (Service).
* **Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar (India):** A wandering minstrel known for preserving and promoting the Gondhali folk art form. He receives the Padma Shri in Arts (Singing – Folk – Gondhali).
* **Hugh and Colleen (India):** A husband-and-wife team, Colleen posthumously, recognized for their five decades of contributions to Indian travel journalism.
The awards celebrate these individuals’ extraordinary contributions and their dedication to their respective fields, showcasing a diverse representation of talent and commitment from across India and beyond.
First Piper 