Padma Awards 2025: MT Nair, Bibek Debroy Among 30 Recipients in Literature and Education

Padma Awards 2025

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the recipients of the Padma Awards of 2025, honoring 139 individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Among these, 30 distinguished personalities have been recognised in the Literature and Education category. The awards, which include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu at ceremonial functions scheduled at Rashtrapati Bhawan in March or April.

Padma Vibhushan Awardees

The Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, is bestowed for exceptional and distinguished service. This year, seven individuals have been selected for this honor, with notable contributions in Literature and Education:

  • M.T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous): Affectionately known as “MT,” Nair was a literary giant from Kerala. His extensive body of work includes novels, short stories, and screenplays that have left an indelible mark on Indian literature and cinema. He passed away on December 25, 2024.

Padma Bhushan Awardees

The Padma Bhushan is awarded for distinguished service of a high order. This year, three eminent personalities in the Literature and Education sector have been honoured with this:

  • Bibek Debroy: An economist and author, Debroy has made significant contributions to economic policy and literature. He is known for his translations of ancient Indian texts and his role in economic advisory councils.
  • A. Surya Prakash: A veteran journalist and author, Prakash has been recognized for his work in media and literature. He has held prominent positions in various media organizations and has contributed to discussions on governance and policy.
  • Ram Bahadur Rai: A respected journalist and writer, Rai has been acknowledged for his contributions to Hindi literature and journalism. He has played a pivotal role in promoting Indian literature and culture.

Padma Shri Awardees

The Padma Shri is awarded for distinguished service in any field. This year, 26 individuals have been recognised in the Literature and Education category for this one:

  1. Chandrakant Sheth: A Gujarati writer and poet known for his contributions to Gujarati literature.
  2. Gita Upadhyay: An author and educator recognized for her work in promoting education and literature.
  3. Ramdarash Mishra: A Hindi poet and writer celebrated for his extensive literary works.
  4. Lalit Kumar Mangotra: An author and scientist acknowledged for his contributions to Dogri literature and science.
  5. Hugh and Colleen Gantzer: A husband-and-wife duo known for their travel writing and contributions to literature.
  6. Renthlei Lalrawna: Recognized for his work in Mizo literature and education.
  7. Anil Kumar Boro: An academic and writer known for his contributions to Assamese literature.
  8. David R. Syiemlieh: A historian and former chairman of the Union Public Service Commission, acknowledged for his work in education and history.
  9. Nitin Nohria: An academic and former dean of Harvard Business School, recognized for his contributions to education and leadership studies.
  10. Seeni Viswanathan: A Tamil scholar and educator known for his work in Tamil literature and education.
  11. Jagadish Joshila: A poet and writer from Madhya Pradesh recognised for his exceptional work in ‘Nimadi-Hindi’ literature.
  12. Hriday Narayan Dixit: An author and politician acknowledged for his work in literature and public service.
  13. Pratibha Satpathy: An Odia poet celebrated for her contributions to Odia literature.
  14. Sant Ram Deswal: A Haryanvi poet and writer known for his work in regional literature.
  15. Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Panchamukhi: An economist and scholar recognised for his contributions to literature and education.
  16. Arvind Sharma: A scholar in religious studies acknowledged for his work in education and literature.
  17. Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer: An educator and philanthropist known for his contributions to education.
  18. Nagendra Nath Roy: Recognized for his work in literature and education.
  19. Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla: A Gujarati poet and writer acknowledged for his contributions to literature.
  20. Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli: A writer and naturalist known for his work in literature and wildlife conservation.
  21. K.L. Krishna: An economist recognized for his contributions to education and economic research.
  22. Arunoday Saha: An academic and former vice-chancellor acknowledged for his work in education.
  23. Syed Ainul Hasan: An academic and scholar recognized for his contributions to literature and education.
  24. Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid: A Sanskrit scholar acknowledged for his work in literature and education.
  25. Sheen Kaaf Nizam: An Urdu poet and writer recognized for his contributions to Urdu literature.
  26. Stephen Knapp: An author and researcher known for his work in literature and spirituality.

Also Read: IIT Kanpur Professor Ashutosh Sharma Honoured with Padma Shri for Contributions to Science and Public Service

The Padma Awards continue to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to society across various fields. This year’s recipients in the Literature and Education category exemplify excellence and dedication, enriching India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

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