Renowned classical dancer, scholar, and choreographer Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, for her outstanding contributions to Indian art and culture, particularly in the field of Bharatanatyam.
A proud daughter of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Subrahmanyam is credited with reviving and preserving ancient dance traditions, blending scholarship with performance, and taking Indian classical dance to global stages.
Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam is widely known for her pioneering research in Natyashastra, the ancient treatise on performing arts. She created a unique dance style known as “Bharata Nrityam”, integrating theoretical aspects of ancient temple sculpture and textual tradition into performance.
Over her illustrious career, she has authored key books on dance, trained countless students, and presented India’s rich cultural heritage across the world.
With previous recognitions such as the Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and the Kalidas Samman, the Padma Vibhushan 2025 comes as a recognition of her lifelong service to the arts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her saying,
“Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam has not only performed Bharatanatyam but lived it. Her dedication to reviving ancient Indian aesthetics and her contributions to classical dance are immeasurable.”
Beyond performance, Dr. Subrahmanyam’s life reflects a deep commitment to education, cultural preservation, and international collaboration. Her work has been instrumental in fostering greater understanding of India’s artistic roots and their relevance in the modern world.
With this award, India celebrates a living legend whose name is etched into the very fabric of Indian classical arts.
