Veteran Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair, known for his lyrical nostalgia, will be posthumously honoured with the Padma Vibhushan (Art and Literature), the nation's second-highest civilian award. MT, who passed away on December 25, 2024, left an indelible legacy in literature and cinema. He contributed to novels, short stories, screenplays, children’s literature, essays, travel writing, and filmmaking. He was previously awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005.

Other distinguished Keralites honoured this year include Dr Jose Chacko Periappuram (Padma Bhushan), former hockey player PR Sreejesh (Padma Bhushan), former footballer IM Vijayan (Padma Shri), and musician K Omanakutty Amma (Padma Shri). Dr Periappuram, a celebrated cardiac surgeon credited with Kerala’s first successful heart transplant, is recognised for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine. Actors Sobhana and Ajith Kumar will also receive the Padma Bhushan.

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the Padma Awards on Saturday, recognising exceptional contributions in diverse fields such as art, medicine, public affairs, sports, and civil service. The awards are categorised into Padma Vibhushan for exceptional service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished contributions of high order, and Padma Shri for significant achievements. These honours are traditionally announced on the eve of Republic Day.

For 2025, the President has approved 139 Padma Awards, including seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. The list features 23 women, 10 individuals from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI categories, and 13 posthumous awardees.

Posthumous recipients include former Suzuki Motor Corp chairman Osamu Suzuki (Padma Vibhushan, Trade and Industry) and former Bihar Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi (Padma Bhushan, Public Affairs). Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna (Padma Bhushan, Art), cricketer R Ashwin (Padma Bhushan, Sports), and singer Arijit Singh (Padma Shri, Art) are also among the honourees.

Additionally, musician Velu Asan, Paralympic archer Harvinder Singh, folk singer Batool Begam, and independence activist Libia Lobo Sardesai will receive the Padma Shri for their contributions in their respective fields.