Prominent Indian Americans are among the 139 recipients of the 2025 Padma Awards, one of India’s highest civilian honors. The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service in any field).
On the eve of India’s 76th Republic Day Celebrations, President of India, Droupadi Murmu has approved 139 Padma Awards, including one duo award (counted as a single honor). The list comprises 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri Awards. Among the recipients are 23 women, 10 individuals from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 13 posthumous awardees, according to a statement from the Government of India.
These awards celebrate excellence across diverse fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. They are traditionally presented by the President of India in a ceremonial event at Rashtrapati Bhawan, held in March or April.
Padma Bhushan
Vinod Dham

Known as the “Father of the Pentium Processor,” Vinod Dham has played a pivotal role in shaping the personal computing industry. His groundbreaking contributions at Intel include the development of microprocessors and semiconductors. A serial entrepreneur, Dham co-founded Silicon Spice, an early unicorn later acquired by Broadcom, and facilitated the successful sale of NexGen to AMD.
Padma Shri
Sethuraman Panchanathan

Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, a computer scientist and engineer, serves as the 15th Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), a $9.06 billion federal agency dedicated to advancing science and technology. With over three decades of experience, Panchanathan has been a leader in research innovation, global development, and economic growth. He has significantly contributed to artificial intelligence, computing, and technological innovation, influencing global research policies.
Ajay V. Bhatt

Ajay Bhatt, a renowned computer architect, is best known for developing the Universal Serial Bus (USB), which revolutionized connectivity worldwide. Currently an Intel Senior Fellow, Bhatt holds 132 U.S. and international patents. Joining Intel in 1990, he played a critical role in chipset architecture and has delivered Distinguished Lecture Series at top universities in the U.S. and Asia.
Nitin Nohria

Nitin Nohria, an accomplished academic leader, served as the 10th Dean of Harvard Business School (2010-2020). He has been instrumental in advancing leadership studies as the co-chair of the Leadership Initiative and has contributed to faculty development and organizational behavior research.