On April 13, 2017, the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, conferred the prestigious Padma Awards at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The Padma Awards—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—are among the highest civilian honors of India, recognizing exceptional contributions in various fields, including art, literature, science, sports, and public service.

Notable Awardees of 2017

• Padma Vibhushan (Second-highest civilian award)

  • K. J. Yesudas – Renowned classical and playback singer

  • Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev – Spiritual leader and founder of Isha Foundation

  • Sharad Pawar – Veteran politician and former Union Minister

• Padma Bhushan (Third-highest civilian award)

  • P. A. Sangma (Posthumous) – Former Lok Sabha Speaker

  • Vishwa Mohan Bhatt – Grammy Award-winning Mohan Veena player

  • D. Nageshwar Reddy – Renowned gastroenterologist

• Padma Shri (Fourth-highest civilian award)

  • Virat Kohli – Captain of the Indian cricket team

  • Mariyappan Thangavelu – Paralympic gold medalist in high jump

  • Kailash Kher – Playback singer and music composer

A total of 89 individuals were honored in 2017 for their outstanding contributions. The awards celebrated achievers from diverse backgrounds, including unsung heroes who have made significant impacts in their fields. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and other senior government officials.

The Padma Awards 2017 highlighted India’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage, honoring individuals who have brought glory to the nation.