Bhubaneswar, Jan 26: Four eminent personalities from various fields in Odisha including former Vice-Chancellor of Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra have been selected to receive the esteemed Padma Shri Award 2025.
As per the list of recipients for Padma Awards 2025 announced by Centre on the eve of the Republic Day, Adwaita Charan Gadanayak (Art), Ashok Kumar Mahapatra (Medicine), Durga Charan Ranbir (Art) and Pratibha Satpathy (Literature and Education) have been selected for this year’s Padma Shri awards.
It is worth mentioning that Mahapatra is an eminent neuro-surgeon currently serving as the Principal Advisor (Health Sciences) at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA).
Prof. (Dr.) Mahapatra, who headed the neuro surgery department at AIIMS in New Delhi and was appointed the first Director of Bhubaneswar AIIMS, also served SOA as its Vice-Chancellor. He was also listed as one of the world’s top 2 per cent scientists by the Stanford University in 2024.
SOA’s Founder President Prof. (Dr.) Manojranjan Nayak expressed his happiness at the honour bestowed on Prof. (Dr.) Mahapatra saying it was a moment of great pride for the university.
This year, a total of seven distinguished individuals will be accorded with the Padma Vibhushan, 19 with the Padma Bhushan, and 113 with the Padma Shri.
It is worth mentioning that the Padma Awards are presented in three categories including the Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service).
These awards recognize excellence across various disciplines and fields, including social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.
The President of India confers these awards during ceremonial functions held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.
