Osamu Suzuki Conferred with Padma Vibhushan Posthumously; Pawan Goenka Presented With Padma Shri

In recognition of their lasting contributions to India's automotive and industrial sectors, Late Osamu Suzuki, former Chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and industry veteran Pawan Kumar Goenka have been honoured with the Padma awards, among the highest civilian honours in the country.

The Government of India posthumously awarded Osamu Suzuki with the Padma Vibhushan, the nation's second-highest civilian honour, acknowledging his exceptional and distinguished service to India's automotive industry. Suzuki, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 94, played a pivotal role in transforming India's automobile landscape through the landmark Maruti-Suzuki partnership, which democratised car ownership in India and helped shape the middle-class aspiration for personal mobility. 

Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, received the award on behalf of his father during the ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Osamu Suzuki's visionary leadership not only established Suzuki Motor Corporation as a market leader in India but also laid the foundation for India's emergence as a major global automobile manufacturing hub. 

In a parallel recognition of industrial leadership, Pawan Kumar Goenka was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his significant contributions to the automotive and space sectors. Goenka, a former Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra, played a critical role in elevating the company into a global brand, expanding its footprint across international markets, and strengthening its capabilities in product development and innovation.

Beyond his contributions to the automotive sector, Goenka currently serves as the Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). As the nodal agency facilitating private sector participation in India’s space sector, IN-SPACe has been instrumental in opening new frontiers for private innovation and entrepreneurship following the government's space reforms.

Both awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Padma Awards, announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, recognize exceptional achievements across a range of fields. They are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order; and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.