On January 2, 1954, the office of the Secretary to the President of India issued a press release announcing the establishment of two civilian honours: the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, and the three-tier Padma Vibhushan. The latter was initially classified into three categories: Class I, Class II, and Class III, ranking below the Bharat Ratna. Later, on January 15, 1955, the Padma Vibhushan was restructured into three separate awards: the Padma Vibhushan (the highest of the three), the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Shri.

Since 1954, India has honoured exceptional individuals with the prestigious Padma Awards, recognising their achievements in fields like arts, education, literature, industry, science, sports, medicine, and social service. However, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, these awards have undergone a transformative shift, becoming true “People’s Awards” that celebrate inclusivity and democracy, which was the founding vision of the civilian honours.

This year’s list of Padma Awardees reinforces this transformation. Individuals from diverse walks of life, particularly those working selflessly in social and cultural fields, have been recognised for their contributions. These awards now honour unsung heroes who, without seeking recognition or fame, are quietly advancing the nation and society.

Among this year’s awardees are inspiring figures like Nagaland’s L. Hangthing, known as the “Fruit Man”, who revolutionised fruit cultivation in his region, and Bhim Singh Bhavesh from Bihar’s Buxar district, who is hailed as the saviour of the Musahar community. These changemakers exemplify how ordinary individuals can drive extraordinary societal transformation.

Other remarkable recipients include Tulsi Gowda from the Pakkali tribal community, who accepted her Padma honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and 106-year-old environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka, fondly called the “Mother of Trees”. These ordinary individuals uphold the original vision of the Padma Awards when they were instituted: to honour those who embody dedication, service, and excellence.

Democratising the Selection Process

One of the most significant reforms under PM Modi has been the democratisation of the Padma Awards selection process. Previously, the awards were criticised for being elitist and opaque, with selections allegedly influenced by political connections or favouritism.

In 2016, the Modi government opened the nomination process to the general public, making it transparent and participatory. Now, over 50,000 nominations are received annually, which are carefully reviewed by a high-level committee before recommendations are sent to the Prime Minister and President for approval. For the first time, any Indian citizen can nominate deserving individuals online, ensuring that merit and contribution remain the sole criteria for selection.

Beyond Political Ideologies

A noteworthy feature of the Padma Awards under PM Modi’s leadership is the recognition of political opponents. In earlier times, political beliefs often determined eligibility, and leaders from opposition parties were frequently overlooked.

Breaking this tradition, PM Modi has ensured that contributions, irrespective of political affiliation, are acknowledged. Leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Tarun Gogoi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee have been honoured with Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awards.

Additionally, former President Pranab Mukherjee, a lifelong Congress leader, was conferred the Bharat Ratna during PM Modi’s tenure. This gesture exemplifies statesmanship and the willingness to rise above political divides, showcasing the awards as a celebration of merit and contribution rather than partisanship.

Beyond Religion, Caste, and Region

Under PM Modi’s leadership, the Padma Awards have transcended religious, caste, regional, or linguistic biases. A standout example is Karnataka’s Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri, an artisan who received the Padma Shri in 2023. Quadri admitted he had lost hope of recognition during Congress rule but was proven wrong under the Modi government. 

Increased Representation Of Women

Another significant achievement under the Modi government is the increased representation of women among Padma Awardees. In 2024, 30 women were honoured with these awards, and this year, 23 women are part of the list. This emphasis on recognising women’s contributions highlights the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and its efforts to provide them with equal opportunities for recognition. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Padma Awards have become a platform for recognising and celebrating the contributions of women from all walks of life.

His vision of inclusivity and empowerment has ensured that women from diverse fields are acknowledged for their exceptional work. Vani Jairam, for her contribution to music, Rani Rampal, for her achievements in sports, Batul Begum, for preserving folk music, and Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, for her work in medicine, all received Padma Awards due to the government’s focused effort to highlight women’s achievements.

Restoring The Democratic Spirit 

Today, the Padma Awards truly reflect the democratic ethos of India. They are no longer confined to elite circles or influenced by favouritism. Instead, they honour individuals from all walks of life solely based on merit and service to the nation.

This transformation under PM Modi has restored the original purpose of the Padma Awards: to celebrate excellence, dedication, and selfless service. By recognising unsung heroes and marginalised communities, the awards symbolise hope and inspiration for millions of Indians.

With their transparency, inclusivity, and focus on merit, the Padma Awards now stand as a testament to the government’s vision of a New India—an India that values its people above all else. Once viewed as symbols of privilege, these honours now celebrate the nation’s true strength: its people.

(The author is National Spokesperson, Bharatiya Janata Party)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

Chandrakant Sompura, the architect of the Ram temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, is among the Padma Shri recipients this year. He comes from a family of temple architects that have designed over 200 such structures.

He had told NDTV in an earlier interview that he had designed the Ram temple over 30 years ago using his footsteps as a unit of measurement. “At that time, we were not allowed to take measuring tapes. I was told just have a look around alone. It was very difficult for me to envision a temple without proper measurement. So, I used my feet and counted the steps. I remembered all the steps – from left to right, across, and replicated the design inside a big hall where I could take proper measurement,” Mr Somapura had said.

The 80-year-old envisioned the temple in Ayodhya, constructed over an area of 2,7 acres in the traditional Nagar style without using iron.

Mr Sompura is the grandson of Padma Shri Prabhashankarbhai Oghadbhai Somapura, whom he also considers his teacher. As per his website, he was awarded Best Architect Of The Year 1997 award and his creation of Shri Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan Temple at London was recognised by the Guiness Book of World Records. Further, he created the Akshardham temple in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar, 108 Bhaktivihar, and temples in Singapore and USA, all of which received widespread appreciation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Guwahati:

Padma Shri awardee Birubala Rabha, renowned for her fight against witch hunting, passed away at a hospital here on Monday after a long battle with cancer, doctors said.

Survived by two sons, a daughter, and other relatives, Rabha, 75, was admitted to the State Cancer Institute of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on April 22 due to severe weakness, GMCH superintendent Abhijit Sarma said.

“She has been a patient of advanced stage carcinoma oesophagus since 2021 and was undergoing treatment at our hospital. She was put on a metallic stent because of difficulty in swallowing six month ago,” he added.

As Rabha’s condition deteriorated, she was admitted to the hospital last month and was shifted to ICU on May 4, followed by mechanical ventilator support on Sunday as she developed respiratory distress, Sarma said.

“After all possible intensive care, she breathed her last at 9:23 am due to multi-organ failure,” he added.

Rabha, whose son and brother were victims of witch hunting, had fearlessly led her NGO ‘Mission Birubala’ amidst extreme hostility in remote areas. Despite facing numerous attempts on her life by superstitious villagers branding her a witch, she continued her courageous work.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his deep condolences over the passing away of the social activist.

“I am deeply distressed to learn about the passing away of Padma Shri Smt Birubala Rabha. Through her untiring efforts to end social evils, she illuminated the paths of scores of women with hope and confidence.

“Rising through a challenging life, she epitomised courage against all odds. Assam will forever remain grateful for her leadership in serving society,” he posted on X.

Representing the Assam government, Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary reached the GMCH and offered his condolences.

“It is a big loss to the state and the country. We will never get another person like Birubala Rabha, who defied all odds and stood up for humanity,” he added.

Her remains will be taken to her home in Goalpara district and the last rites will be performed with full state honours, Patowary said.

Born in remote Thakurvila village in Goalpara in 1949, she had a struggling childhood. Her father died when she was six, forcing her to drop out of school after class 5 and help her mother run the household. Rabha was just 15 years old when she was married to a farmer with whom she had three children.

Rabha was instrumental in the enactment of the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015, which made every offence related to witch hunting as cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, making provisions for imprisonment up to seven years along with a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh for identifying and calling a person witch.

Her struggle against the menace began when her son was branded a ‘witch’ and diagnosed to die within three days because he was mentally not sound. Her family was isolated for three years after she started raising her voice against witch hunting.

Rabha formed ‘Mission Birubala’ in 2012 to create awareness among people against the social evil and all forms of superstitious beliefs, besides providing rehabilitation to the victims of witch hunting menace. The organisation has saved lives of 55 victims so far in Majuli, Kokrajhar, Goalpara and Tinsukia districts.

Recognising her work to protect lives in rural India, she was conferred with the fourth highest civilian award of the country ‘Padma Shri’ in 2021.

Under the project ‘1,000 Women’, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 by The Swiss Peace, Switzerland. She received Honorary Doctorate from Gauhati University, besides being recognised with innumerable awards by various organisations.

Condolence messages have started pouring in from different quarters, hailing Rabha as a symbol of crusader against superstition and upholder of mankind.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Rabha Baideo (elder sister) battled against the superstitions and prejudices entrenched in the society, exemplifying the strength of women through unwavering determination and courage.

“Inspired by her work, we shall always remain motivated to persistently serve the community, irrespective of challenges. The news of Baideo’s passing fills my heart with deep sorrow. Her departure leaves an irreplaceable void in Assam’s social fabric,” he added.

Assam Jatiya Parishad President Lurinjyoti Gogoi also said Rabha’s contribution will always be remembered and her ideals will be a guide for every generation to come.

Condoling her death, Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah said Rabha’s demise is an irreparable loss to Assamese society. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)