Former Navy Chief, University VC Among Padma Award Jury Members
The Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted the jury for the Padma awards, one of India's highest civilian honours, with the inclusion of a former Navy chief and a vice chancellor of a prominent university, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The panel, tasked with evaluating nominations for the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, includes former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral (retd) Sunil Lanba and Dr. Preeti Singh, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra. Their appointments reflect a diverse range of expertise from defence and academia.
The Padma awards committee, typically chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, comprises eminent persons from various fields such as art, literature, sports, medicine, social work, and public affairs. The inclusion of a former military chief and an academician underscores the government's effort to ensure balanced representation.
Admiral Lanba served as the 24th Chief of Naval Staff from 2016 to 2019 and has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. Dr. Singh, an expert in chemical engineering, has held leadership roles in academic administration and research.
The jury will scrutinise recommendations received from state governments, union territories, and ministries before finalising the list of awardees, which is traditionally announced on Republic Day (January 26). The selection process adheres to strict guidelines to ensure merit and transparency.
Observers note that the appointment of a former Navy chief brings strategic perspective, while a vice chancellor adds educational insight, potentially influencing selections in categories like science and education. The government has not yet disclosed the full list of jury members.
The Padma awards, instituted in 1954, recognise exceptional and distinguished service in any field. Past recipients include scientists, artists, social activists, and civil servants. The upcoming announcement will mark the 75th Republic Day.
