Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting- update on X/twitter:

“K. Pajanivel, renowned Silambam master and dedicated promoter of India’s ancient martial arts tradition, will be honoured with the Padma Shri for his exceptional contribution to preserving and popularising indigenous martial arts and folk culture. Hailing from Puducherry, he has devoted over three decades to training thousands of students in Silambam and other traditional martial and folk art forms.”