NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Indian American computer scientist Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan and globally renowned music composer Ricky Kej were among the recipients of the 2025 Padma Shri awards, presented at a grand ceremony held on May 27 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious civilian honors at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II, joined by dignitaries including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. The Padma Awards — which include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — recognize exceptional service across various fields, including art, science, public affairs, and social work.
This year, a total of 139 Padma Awards were approved by the President of India. The list includes 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, among which 23 went to women. Ten awardees were recognized in the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 13 were posthumous recipients, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ official statement.
Dr. Panchanathan, who served as the 15th Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) from 2020 until stepping down in April 2025, was honored for his groundbreaking contributions to science and technology. Nominated by the U.S. President and unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2020, he led the NSF — a $9.5 billion federal agency responsible for advancing scientific discovery and STEM education across the U.S.
The Indian government recognized Panchanathan as a “computer scientist and engineer” with more than three decades of leadership in higher education and research innovation. Before leading NSF, he was Executive Vice President of the Knowledge Enterprise at Arizona State University (ASU), where he significantly expanded the university’s research footprint, transforming it into one of America’s most innovative institutions.
In addition to his role at ASU, Panchanathan served on the National Science Board, chairing the Committee on Strategy and Budget. He was also a senior advisor for science and technology to the Governor of Arizona and chaired several national and international research councils, including the Council on Research of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the Extreme Innovation Taskforce of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils.
“He is a leader in science, engineering, and education with more than three decades of experience,” noted India’s official citation. “He has designed and built knowledge enterprises that advance research innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.”
Also awarded the Padma Shri was Ricky Kej, a globally acclaimed music composer and environmentalist known for blending traditional Indian sounds with global musical influences. A three-time Grammy Award winner and four-time nominee, Kej has used his music to advocate for sustainability and climate awareness.
According to the official citation, “Kej’s groundbreaking compositions fuse traditional Indian elements with contemporary global sounds, earning widespread critical acclaim and industry recognition.” His works have been featured at major international events, including UN climate summits and humanitarian gatherings, amplifying his environmental message through powerful musical storytelling.
Kej has cultivated a devoted international following and is praised for his efforts to use music as a vehicle for global change. His recent Grammy-winning album with rock legend Stewart Copeland — Divine Tides — was celebrated for its fusion of world music and its underlying themes of ecological harmony.
The 2025 Padma Awards highlight India’s ongoing recognition of global contributions by individuals of Indian origin. Honorees like Panchanathan and Kej represent the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in fields ranging from scientific leadership to artistic expression. The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan not only honored national heroes but also celebrated a spirit of global collaboration and innovation, values that both recipients exemplify in their groundbreaking careers.