Dharmendra, VS Achuthanandan Among Five Awarded Padma Vibhushan Posthumously

Bollywood icon Dharmendra and former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan are among the five eminent personalities awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, posthumously, on the eve of Republic Day.

Popularly known as Bollywood’s original ‘He-Man’, Dharmendra was recognised for his immense contribution to Indian cinema spanning over six decades. Veteran Communist leader VS Achuthanandan, a towering figure in Kerala politics, was honoured for his lifelong public service and commitment to social justice.

The other recipients of the Padma Vibhushan this year are KT Thomas in the field of Public Affairs, renowned classical violinist N Rajam for her contribution to Indian classical music, and P Narayanan for his work in Literature and Education.

The Padma Awards, among the highest civilian honours of the country, are conferred annually in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — recognising exceptional service across diverse fields including art, public affairs, social work, science, and education.

This year’s list reflects both national and global contributions, with 19 women awardees featured across categories. The honours also include six foreign nationals, NRIs, PIOs, or OCI cardholders, underlining India’s recognition of global excellence. In total, 16 awards have been announced posthumously.

The awards will be formally presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year.

Dharmendra, VS Achuthanandan Among Five Awarded Padma Vibhushan Posthumously

Bollywood icon Dharmendra and former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan are among the five eminent personalities awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, posthumously, on the eve of Republic Day.

Popularly known as Bollywood’s original ‘He-Man’, Dharmendra was recognised for his immense contribution to Indian cinema spanning over six decades. Veteran Communist leader VS Achuthanandan, a towering figure in Kerala politics, was honoured for his lifelong public service and commitment to social justice.

The other recipients of the Padma Vibhushan this year are KT Thomas in the field of Public Affairs, renowned classical violinist N Rajam for her contribution to Indian classical music, and P Narayanan for his work in Literature and Education.

The Padma Awards, among the highest civilian honours of the country, are conferred annually in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — recognising exceptional service across diverse fields including art, public affairs, social work, science, and education.

This year’s list reflects both national and global contributions, with 19 women awardees featured across categories. The honours also include six foreign nationals, NRIs, PIOs, or OCI cardholders, underlining India’s recognition of global excellence. In total, 16 awards have been announced posthumously.

The awards will be formally presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year.