Industrialist Sajjan Bhajanka and Singer Arijit Singh get Padma Shri | See List

The Padma Awards, one of the most prestigious civilian honors in India, were announced on January 26, 2025, coinciding with Republic Day celebrations. This year, nine individuals from West Bengal have been conferred the Padma Shri, recognizing their exceptional achievements in fields such as art, literature, trade, spiritualism, and social work.

The Padma Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. In total, 139 awards were announced for 2025, including seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. This list includes 23 women, 10 individuals from the Foreigners/OCI/PIO category, and 13 posthumous awardees.

West Bengal's representation this year underscores the state’s cultural, artistic, and social richness. Here's the list of all the awardees from West Bengal:

• Internationally acclaimed singer Arijit Singh has made an indelible mark on the Indian music industry with his soulful voice and versatility.
• Mamata Shankar, a celebrated dancer and choreographer known for her contributions to Indian classical dance
• Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, a renowned sarod maestro who has carried forward the legacy of Indian classical music
• Gokul Chandra Das, a dhak player, has also been honored for his artistic achievements, showcasing Bengal’s music heritage
• Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj) was recognized for his spiritual guidance and promotion of peace and harmony
• Vinayak Lohani's tireless efforts in social work have transformed the lives of underprivileged communities
• Nagendra Nath Roy was awarded for his contributions to literature and education, reflecting Bengal’s intellectual legacy
• A prominent figure from the trade and industry sector, Sajjan Bhajanka, Chairman of Kolkata-based Century Plywood
• Pawan Goenka's significant contributions have been key to the state’s industrial development.