On the occasion preceding Republic Day, the Government of India revealed the esteemed Padma Awards. These awards rank among the highest civilian distinctions in India and are conferred annually across three categories: Padma Vibhushan, which honors exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan, recognizing distinguished service of a high order; and Padma Shri, awarded for distinguished service in any field.This year’s recipients of the Padma Awards include notable figures such as Vinod Dham, who received the Padma Bhushan for his pioneering work in microprocessor technology, earning him the title of the “Father of the Pentium Chip.” An alumnus of Delhi College of Engineering and the University of Cincinnati, Dham is also the founding managing partner of Indo-US Venture Partners, where he promotes innovation and collaboration between India and the United States. Among the Padma Shri awardees is Sethuraman Panchanathan, the Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, who has made significant contributions to global research policy in artificial intelligence, computing, and robotics, enhancing innovation in STEM fields during his tenure. Additionally, Ajay V. Bhatt, recognized for his role in developing the Universal Serial Bus (USB), has transformed global connectivity and continues to advance technology as a Senior Fellow at Intel.
Nitin Nohria, a distinguished scholar in leadership and management, served as the 10th dean of Harvard Business School and has been instrumental in bridging academia and technology through initiatives like the i-lab and Harvard Business School Online. He currently holds the position of Partner and Executive Chairman at Thrive Capital, where he concentrates on investments in internet and software sectors. Stephen Knapp stands out as the sole American recipient among six international honorees this year. He is a spiritual educator and author committed to the preservation and promotion of Vedic philosophy. Through his literary works, including The Secret Teachings of the Vedas and Facing Death: Welcoming the Afterlife, Knapp has assisted individuals in their journeys toward elevated consciousness and self-discovery, while also raising global awareness of India’s rich spiritual heritage.