International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, is a time to honor the contributions and achievements of women worldwide. In India, this day holds special significance as it highlights the extraordinary women who have been recognized with the nation’s highest civilian honors, the Padma Awards.
Women Honored with Padma Awards 2025
This year, 23 women have been acknowledged for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Some notable recipients include:
Top 10 Women Padma Awardees 2025
- Kumudini Lakhia (Gujarat) – Padma Vibhushan (Art)
- Shobana Chandrakumar (Tamil Nadu) – Padma Bhushan (Art)
- Mamata Shankar (West Bengal) – Padma Shri (Art)
- Soniya Nityanand (Uttar Pradesh) – Padma Shri (Medicine)
- Radha Bahin Bhatt (Uttarakhand) – Padma Shri (Social Work)
- Pratibha Satpathy (Odisha) – Padma Shri (Literature & Education)
- Sally Holkar (Madhya Pradesh) – Padma Shri (Trade & Industry)
- Ashwini Bhide Deshpande (Maharashtra) – Padma Shri (Art)
- Gita Upadhyay (Assam) – Padma Shri (Literature & Education)
- Neerja Bhatla (Delhi) – Padma Shri (Medicine)
These remarkable women have excelled in fields such as art, literature, social work, medicine, and trade, demonstrating their dedication and impact on society.
Government Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment
In addition to celebrating women achievers, the Indian government continues to support women’s empowerment through key initiatives:
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Aims to prevent gender discrimination and promote education for girls.
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Provides free LPG connections to underprivileged households, ensuring women’s health and safety.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: Offers financial assistance to pregnant women for maternal care.
- Kishori Shakti Yojana: Focuses on adolescent girls’ health, nutrition, and life skills development.
Prime Minister’s Initiative on Women’s Day
To celebrate the spirit of women empowerment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited women to share their inspiring life journeys. Selected stories will be featured on his social media accounts on March 8, amplifying the voices of women making a difference across the nation.
As India moves forward in its journey towards gender equality, honoring women achievers and implementing supportive policies play a crucial role in inspiring future generations. Women like Kumudini Lakhia, Shobana Chandrakumar, and Mamata Shankar continue to pave the way for progress, proving that women’s contributions are invaluable in shaping a better society.
