Indian Psychiatrists Honored with Padma Awards by the Government of India: A Biographical Sketch

The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors conferred by the Government of India usually announced the eve of Republic Day to recognize exceptional contributions across various fields, including medicine. This article aims to inspire young psychiatrists by reviewing the available literature and anecdotes of Indian psychiatrists who have received the Padma Awards. To date, seven psychiatrists have been honored with Padma Awards. Dr. Nani Chandra Bordoloi, Dr. Robert B. Davis, and Dr. P. B. Buckshey made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry and were awarded the Padma Shri in 1962, 1966, and 1991, respectively. Dr. M. Sarada Menon, the only female psychiatrist among the recipients, was honored with the Padma Bhushan, while the rest received the Padma Shri. The authors briefly discuss each recipient’s profile under the headings: Early Life and Education, Career Highlights, Notable Works, and Padma Award Details and Citation. The three living recipients, Dr. Mohan M Agashe, Dr. B. N. Gangadhar, and Dr. C. R. Chandrashekar continue to inspire contemporary and early-career psychiatrists in various capacities. The authors earnestly hope to see more Padma awards, including Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, which are yet to be bestowed upon Indian psychiatrists.