Padma Vibhushan Awards Encourage Artists Like L Subramaniam to Recognise Their Own Excellence

Renowned violinist L Subramaniam, one of the seven recipients of the Padma Vibhushan award announced on Saturday, shared his thoughts on the significance of such honours. He believes that awards like the Padma Awards can remind artists of their own brilliance, which they might overlook amidst life's chaos. "They now can pause and reflect, oh, we must have done something extraordinary to get this award," said Subramaniam.

Subramaniam reminisced about receiving his first Padma award during the era when Russia was known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and R Venkataraman was India's president. Despite the passage of time, he expressed immense joy in receiving one of the nation's highest civilian honours once more. This recognition, he noted, would motivate him to continue striving for excellence.

His daughter, musician Bindu Subramaniam, who was in Dubai at the time, informed him about this prestigious accolade. "And I immediately called my wife Kavita Krishnamurthy who is in London at the moment, to sing in a concert there. We are all happy to receive this honour," Subramaniam added.

Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Honourees

From Karnataka, celebrated Kannada actor Anant Nag is set to receive the Padma Bhushan. A Surya Prakash, a journalist and former chairperson of Prasar Bharati, will also be honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Additionally, six individuals from Karnataka will be awarded the Padma Shri. Among them is Ricky Kej, a three-time Grammy Award winner.

Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar, an 81-year-old Gondhali folk singer from Bagalkot known as Gondhali ke Ghumantu Guru, gained national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned him in his 110th Mann ki Baat episode in February 2024. Another recipient is Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshamane, a veteran oncologist from Kalaburagi who has dedicated over four decades to cancer care and awareness.

Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, aged 96 and affectionately known as the Grandmother of Gombeyaata, has devoted her life to promoting Togalu Gombeyaata, Karnataka's traditional shadow puppetry. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted her achievement on his official X handle: "It is a matter of great pride for the entire state that Bhimavva Doddballappa Shillekyathara, a renowned artist of Togalugombe art from Koppal district, has been selected for the Padma Shri award for 2025."

In today's modern era where rural arts and folk cultures are fading into history, her dedication to preserving and promoting the art has been an inspiration for future generations, ensuring that these traditions remain alive in the hearts of people," he wrote.

Kannada filmmaker Hassan Raghu is also among those receiving the Padma Shri Awards. These recognitions highlight diverse contributions across various fields and underscore India's rich cultural heritage.