India, April 30 -- The word 'Padma' in Sanskrit means 'lotus,' symbolising purity and beauty that thrives in murky waters. This imagery is central to the Padma awards, established in 1954 to recognise exceptional contributions in art, literature, science, medicine, and public affairs. However, for years, the awards were often dominated by high-profile, privileged individuals, overshadowing true grassroots change-makers. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the process has transformed positively, prioritising deserving recipients. In 2016, the Modi government democratised the Padma awards by opening nominations to all citizens, unlike the past practice where only Union ministers, chief ministers, governors, MPs, previous recipients, and key figures could nominate. This move enhanced the awards' prestige, recognising ordinary individuals making extraordinary contributions to society. Additionally, a new 'unsung heroes' category was introduced to honour those who've served the poor or excelled despite challenges. The 2025 Padma list of 139 awardees highlights such unsung heroes, from doctors and folk singers to farmers and social workers. No surprise, while only a few states accounted for most of the awardees in the past, 33 states and Union territories have got representation in this year's awards. In 2025, over 50,000 nominations were received annually, an increase of over 20 times from the 2,200 nominations in 2014. A record 18 individuals from minority communities have been named for the Padma awards this year. The list includes seven Sikhs, four Muslims, four Christians, two Buddhists and a Jain. Members of minority communities include Dr Budhendra Kumar Jain, 76, founder of an eye hospital in Chitrakoot, performing over 1 lakh surgeries annually for rural communities, Farooq Ahmad Mir, 73, who is revitalising Kashmir's Kani shawl tradition for six decades and Harjinder Singh, a key figure in Punjabi and Sikh music. Other named for the Padma award include Kaithal's Harvinder Singh, India's first Paralympic gold medallist in archery, Jumde Yomgam Gamlin, 59, a social worker in Arunachal Pradesh, committed to de-addiction and social reform for over 30 years, Libia Lobo Sardesai, 100, a Goan freedom fighter who ran an underground radio station and announced Goa's liberation. She was also Goa's first woman lawyer. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a yoga pioneer, who established Kuwait's first licenced yoga studio. Other honourees include Justice Khehar, the first Sikh CJI. Barry Godfrey John, 78, a British-born theatre and arts contributor and Onkar Singh Pahwa, MD of Avon Cycles. Under this government, the representation of women among Padma awardees has increased significantly. While 209 Padma awards were given to women between 2004 and 2014 under the previous regime, as many as 258 women have received figured on the list between 2015 and 2025. This year, the female awardees include, Dr Neerja Bhatla, a leading gynaecologist from Delhi specialising in cervical cancer prevention and management; Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshamane, a pioneering oncologist who advanced cancer care and awareness, particularly in breast cancer research. Daughter of a labourer father and a vegetable seller mother, Dr Deshamane, belongs to the cobbler community. A 96-year-old puppeteer from Karnataka's Koppal district, Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, who has spent over 70 years promoting Togalu Gombeyaata, a traditional form of shadow puppetry. One of the most notable changes is the broadening of the criteria to include individuals from marginalised communities, rural backgrounds, and fields. This year's awards recognise three agricultural pioneers - Hariman Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, L Hangthing from Nagaland, and Subhash Khetulal Sharma from Maharashtra. Dr Vilas Dangre, a renowned homoeopath, has been honoured with Padma Shri for his lifelong service. Despite losing his eyesight over a decade ago, he dedicated more than 50 years to treating economically disadvantaged patients at minimal cost. He founded the Dr Vilas Dangre Homeopathy Clinic in Nagpur, where he has treated over 1 lakh patients. Dr Jose Chacko Periappuram, a celebrated cardiac surgeon from Kerala, is the founder and chairman of the 'Heart Care Foundation', a charitable trust that provides financial aid to underprivileged heart patients. The Padma Shri awards honour list recognises individuals' cultural and social contributions. Joynacharan Bathari (84), a tribal musician, has dedicated six decades to preserving Dimasa folk music in Assam. Gokul Chandra Dey (57), a Dhak player from West Bengal, has shattered gender stereotypes by training 150 women in this traditionally male-dominated art form. Velu Aasaan (58), a percussionist from Tamil Nadu, is working to revive and globalise the Parai Isai tradition. Chaitram Pawar, from Maharashtra, has focused on tribal development, sustainable village development, and forest conservation. Other awardees include folk artists like Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar (Karnataka), Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara (Karnataka), and Lavjibhai Nagjibhai (Gujarat), alongside Bheru Singh Chouhan, a Nirgun folk singer from Madhya Pradesh, and Jagdish Joshila, a Nimadi and Hindi author from Khargone. Bhim Singh Bhavesh, a social worker from Bhojpur, has been honoured for his work uplifting the marginalised Musahar community through his foundation, 'Nayee Asha.' Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, the pioneering travel blogger couple from Uttarakhand, have been recognised for their contributions to Indian tourism. With over 30 books and 3,000 articles, they shaped travel journalism for five decades. Colleen, who passed away in November 2024, will receive the award posthumously. Under PM Modi's leadership, the Padma awards have reclaimed their true purpose: celebrating excellence, dedication, and selfless service. With the elimination of high connections or lobbying to get Padma awards, the nation is now getting new icons and role models inspiring millions....