Syed Ainul Hasan, Begum Batool, and Farooq Ahmad Mir recognised for their exceptional contributions to literature, music, and the arts.
NEW DELHI- The Padma Awards 2025 have been announced, with three prominent Muslim personalities from India receiving the Padma Shri honour in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the fields of education and art. The awards were revealed on 25 January 2025, a day before the Republic Day celebrations.
Syed Ainul Hasan: A Beacon in Literature and Education
Syed Ainul Hasan, born on 15 February 1957 in Allahabad, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his exceptional work in literature and education. A former professor of Persian and Central Asian Studies at the School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Hasan has played a pivotal role in shaping academic curricula. He is credited with preparing syllabi for prestigious institutions, including Kashmir University, JNU, and Cotton College State University. Hasan is currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University. In 2017, he was honoured with the President of India Certificate. “I feel deeply honoured to receive this recognition for my contribution to education and literature,” Hasan said upon receiving the news of the award.
Begum Batool: The ‘Begum of Bhajans’
Another Padma Shri recipient, Begum Batool, has gained fame for her unique blend of cultural traditions, as she is renowned for her Mand singing, a genre rooted in the Mirasi community of Rajasthan. Known as the ‘Begum of Bhajans’, Batool’s performances have crossed national boundaries, earning her recognition not only in India but internationally. Despite being a Muslim, Batool is celebrated for her renditions of bhajans dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Ganesha. Her participation in Europe’s largest Holi festival in Paris over the past five years has been particularly noteworthy. “I am humbled to have my work honoured with such a prestigious award. Music transcends all boundaries, and I will continue to perform with love and devotion,” Batool shared.
Born in Rajasthan, Batool’s journey has been one of resilience. She left school after the 5th class and married Firoz Khan at the age of 16, enduring hardship while raising her three sons. Despite the challenges, her voice reached the international stage, performing in countries such as the USA, UK, France, Tunisia, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. In addition to the Padma Shri, Batool has been recognised by the governments of France and Tunisia.
Farooq Ahmad Mir: A Distinguished Artist from Jammu and Kashmir
Farooq Ahmad Mir, a celebrated artist from Jammu and Kashmir, has also been awarded the Padma Shri for his outstanding contributions to the arts. His work has enriched the cultural landscape of the region and beyond, earning him a place among the top talents in the artistic community.
The Padma Shri award recognises these individuals not only for their excellence in their respective fields but also for their contributions to India’s diverse cultural fabric. This year’s awards highlight the role of Muslims in shaping the country’s education and arts scene, with each of the recipients leaving an indelible mark on their communities and the world.