Veteran political leader Shri Ram Naik has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in the category of Public Affairs. A stalwart from Maharashtra, Shri Naik has played a pivotal role in Indian politics, governance, and public welfare for over five decades.
Shri Ram Naik began his political journey as a grassroots activist and rose through the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to become a highly respected national leader. He served as a Member of Parliament for five terms and held several key positions, including Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas in the Vajpayee government.
Known for his transparency and efficiency, Shri Naik was instrumental in introducing the Rajdhani Express trains to Mumbai and was one of the early champions of oil sector reforms in India. His initiatives improved accessibility, accountability, and infrastructure in critical sectors.
In 2014, Shri Ram Naik was appointed as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, where he served until 2019. During his tenure, he brought administrative discipline and actively promoted transparency, education, and development in the state.
His dignified and balanced approach to governance earned him wide appreciation from leaders across party lines.
By awarding the Padma Bhushan, the Government of India recognizes Shri Ram Naik’s exceptional service to the nation, his deep-rooted values in public accountability, and his efforts to enhance the quality of governance in both Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him, stating:
“Shri Ram Naik has been a symbol of clean, committed, and people-centric public service. His work continues to inspire generations of political leaders.”
