In a moment of pride for Odisha, four distinguished individuals were honoured with the Padma Shri awards, one of India’s most prestigious civilian honours, during the Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The awards, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, recognised remarkable contributions in the fields of art, medicine, literature, and education.
Among the recipients were Adwaita Charan Gadanayak, a renowned sculptor from Dhenkanal celebrated for his innovative artistry, and Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, former Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, whose groundbreaking work in medicine has transformed lives.
Adding to the celebration were Durga Charan Ranbir, a celebrated artist admired for his creative achievements, and Pratibha Satpathy, recognised for her dedication to literature and education.
The ceremony, held at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhawan, also conferred 4 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri awards in total for 2025.
High-profile attendees included Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Looking ahead, the awardees will visit the National War Memorial, followed by tours of Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya on Tuesday.
