The 2025 Padma Awards, one of India’s most esteemed civilian honors, recognized four Indian Americans and one American for their exceptional contributions in various fields. The honorees include Vinod Dham, Ajay Bhatt, Nitin Nohria, Sethuraman Panchanathan, and Stephen Knap.
Presented annually on India’s Republic Day, these awards fall into three categories: Padma Vibhushan for extraordinary service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for notable service in any domain. The awards are conferred by India’s President during ceremonies held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March or April.
This year, the President has approved 139 awards, including seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri. The recipients include 23 women, 10 individuals from the Foreign/NRI/PIO/OCI categories, and 13 posthumous awardees.
Among the awardees, Vinod Dham, a pioneer in semiconductors, is celebrated as the “Father of Pentium” for his leadership in developing Intel’s iconic processor. He has also played a pivotal role in nurturing India’s startup ecosystem through venture capital initiatives.
Ajay Bhatt, a technology innovator with 38 years of experience, co-invented USB technology. With over 132 patents, Bhatt’s groundbreaking contributions have significantly shaped the global tech industry.
Nitin Nohria, former dean of Harvard Business School, has championed innovation, inclusion, and collaboration during his tenure. His leadership led to notable advancements in global education and business research.
Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, oversees the $9.06 billion agency promoting science, technology, and education. His leadership has strengthened innovation and global partnerships.
Stephen Knap, a spiritual advocate and author, has dedicated his life to promoting Vedic philosophy and its profound teachings. With over 50 publications, he continues to inspire spiritual growth and awareness.
This recognition underscores the recipients’ impactful achievements in science, education, and spirituality, celebrating their contributions on a global stage.
