On the cusp of Republic Day, India’s Padma Awards unveiled a roster of 131 distinguished achievers, spotlighting para athlete Praveen Kumar with the Padma Shri. The Home Ministry’s declaration includes 5 Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan, and 113 Shri awards.
Praveen, elated yet humble, remarked, ‘This long wait has ended sweetly – patience pays off. I’ve worked tirelessly for the last two-plus years, and now it all makes sense.’ Well-wishers’ messages have kept him busy.
The Paris Paralympics gold medalist soared to 2.08m in T64 high jump, a pinnacle after Tokyo silver, Asian Para Games gold, and 2023 World Championships bronze in New Delhi.
Cricket’s Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur share the Padma Shri glow. Vijay Amritraj, honored with Padma Bhushan, adds to his 1974 Arjuna and 1983 Shri. Hockey ace Savita Punia joins Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, and K Pajanivel in receiving Padma Shri.
These awards encapsulate national gratitude, spotlighting stories of grit that inspire across India.