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The Modi government’s deliberate focus on a sizeable number of women awardees serves as a powerful atmospheric indicator of its commitment to Nari Shakti (Women Power)
Over the last two years, the Padma list has been distinguished by a diverse array of women who have redefined leadership in their respective fields. Representational image
The Padma Awards for 2024 and 2025 have unveiled a profound narrative of gender-inclusive recognition in India. Beyond the celebration of individual excellence, the Modi government’s deliberate focus on a sizeable number of women awardees serves as a powerful atmospheric indicator of its commitment to Nari Shakti (Women Power). This trend is widely seen as the cultural and social precursor to the historic Women’s Reservation Bill, signalling that the administration’s drive for female representation extends from the grassroots of social work to the highest echelons of policy and art.
A Tapestry of Excellence: The 2024-2025 Cohort
Over the last two years, the Padma list has been distinguished by a diverse array of women who have redefined leadership in their respective fields. From the legendary Vyjayantimala Bali and Padma Subrahmanyam receiving the Padma Vibhushan (PV) in 2024 for their monumental contributions to Art, to the posthumous recognition of Justice M Fathima Beevi, India’s first female Supreme Court judge, the government is highlighting pioneers who broke glass ceilings long before they were a matter of public debate.
In 2025, this momentum continued with the Padma Vibhushan being conferred upon the late Kumudini Lakhia (Kathak) and the beloved folk singer Sharda Sinha. These awards underscore a governance philosophy that values the “unsung heroines” of the soil just as much as global icons.
Diversity Across Disciplines
The sheer breadth of the awardees’ expertise reinforces the seriousness of the government’s intent. The list spans every conceivable domain:
Pioneers of Trade & Industry: Leaders like Kalpana Morparia (Banking), Shashi Soni (Defence Manufacturing), and Arundhati Bhattacharya (Services) represent a shift toward recognising women at the helm of India’s economic engine.
Scientific and Medical Brilliance: The inclusion of Dr G Natchiar (Ophthalmology), Dr. Neerja Bhatla (Gynaecology), and Dr Soniya Nityanand (Hematology) showcases the government’s focus on women leading critical healthcare advancements.
Grassroots Social Work: The awards have reached deep into rural India, honouring figures like Chami Murmu for her afforestation efforts in Jharkhand and Parbati Barua, India’s first female elephant mahout, for animal welfare.
Cultural Preservation and Sports
The Padma Shri (PS) has also shone a light on women preserving India’s intangible heritage. Naseem Bano (Chikankari), Smriti Rekha Chakma (Loinloom), and Takdira Begam (Kantha) are ensuring that ancient textile arts survive the digital age. In sports, the recognition of squash champion Joshna Chinappa and archery coach Purnima Mahato highlights the government’s push for female excellence in the competitive arena.
International Outreach
Interestingly, the Modi government has used the Padma awards to strengthen global cultural ties through women. Awardees like Charlotte Chopin (Yoga, France) and HE Shka Shaikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah (Yoga, Kuwait) illustrate how the administration views women as the primary ambassadors of India’s “soft power” and ancient wisdom on the world stage.
From Recognition to Representation
By consistently selecting women from varied castes, regions (including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Arunachal Pradesh), and linguistic backgrounds—such as Nepali literature expert Gita Upadhyay and Odia poet Prativa Satpathy—the government is building a robust case for the Women’s Reservation Bill.
This sustained “sizeable number” of awards suggests that the move towards 33% reservation in Parliament is not a sudden political shift but the culmination of a decade-long effort to bring women into the national spotlight. The Padma awards of 2024 and 2025 are a testament to a changing India where Nari Shakti is no longer a slogan but a documented reality of the nation’s progress.
April 10, 2026, 12:11 AM IST
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