Padma Awards 2024: A Celebration of Excellence Across Diverse Fields
The Government of India, on Sunday, unveiled the prestigious Padma Awards for 2024, honouring 131 individuals for their exceptional contributions to society. In a significant announcement, the legendary actor Dharmendra, often hailed as the 'He-Man' of Indian cinema, and veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader V S Achuthanandan were posthumously conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the nation's second-highest civilian award. This year's list reflects a broad spectrum of achievements, from celebrated public figures to unsung heroes working diligently away from the limelight.
Recognizing Luminaries and Unsung Talents
The awards ceremony highlighted a mix of well-known personalities and grassroots innovators. Among the prominent awardees are cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, along with acclaimed actor Mammootty, who have been recognized for their stellar performances in their respective fields. However, in line with the government's ongoing initiative to shift focus beyond metropolitan areas, numerous individuals from smaller towns and rural hinterlands were also honoured. This includes Taga Ram Bheel from Rajasthan, acknowledged for reviving the fading folk instrument Algoza, and Meghalaya-based environmentalist Hally War, whose conservation efforts have made a significant impact.
Geographical Diversity and Political Context
The selection process emphasized geographical inclusivity, with awardees hailing from 84 districts across 30 states and union territories. Notably, ten districts have been represented for the first time since Independence, underscoring the government's commitment to recognizing talent from all corners of the country. The list features a maximum of 15 awardees from Maharashtra, including actors Dharmendra and R Madhavan, followed by 13 from Tamil Nadu, and 11 each from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. While Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala are approaching assembly polls, official sources clarified that the awards are based on merit and diverse regional representation, not political considerations.
Padma Bhushan and Other Honours
Thirteen individuals were named for the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award. This category includes renowned singer Alka Yagnik, the late celebrated adman Piyush Pandey, industrialist Uday Kotak, and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who was honoured posthumously. Additionally, six Padma Bhushan awards were conferred under the foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, with former Indian tennis star Vijay Amritraj being a notable recipient. Similar to last year, no Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award, was announced this time.
Political Figures and Controversial Honours
The awards also recognized several political figures from non-BJP backgrounds, continuing a trend observed in previous years. Alongside V S Achuthanandan and Shibu Soren, veteran politicians like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan have previously received Padma recognition from this government. In a notable inclusion, former Ministry of Home Affairs functionary R V Mani, who had protested against alleged changes in an affidavit related to the Ishrat Jehan encounter case, was awarded the Padma Shri. Mani, in his book, claimed pressure from the previous UPA government to fabricate a narrative of 'Saffron Terror'.
Rigorous Selection Process and Demographics
Officials detailed an extensive and meticulous selection process, with over 39,000 nominations received and evaluated through multiple rounds of scrutiny. Consultations were held with various ministries, state administrations, and domain experts to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment. The final list includes 48 super senior citizens aged 80 years and above, as well as individuals from traditionally deprived sections of society, highlighting the awards' inclusive nature.
Prime Minister's Congratulations and Societal Impact
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to all the awardees, stating, 'Their excellence, dedication and service across diverse fields enrich the fabric of our society. The honour reflects the spirit of commitment and excellence that continues to inspire generations.' The Padma Awards 2024, thus, stand as a testament to India's rich tapestry of talent, celebrating both iconic figures and grassroots contributors who have made indelible marks in their respective domains.
