(from left) Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, Vijay Amritraj and Dr. Prateek Sharma / President of India via X

Three Indian-Americans took home this year's Padma awards, receiving the award from the Indian President Droupadi Murmu on June 23 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, India.

Oncologist Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu and Indian tennis icon Vijay Amritraj took home the Padma Bhushan and gastroenterologist Dr. Prateek Sharma received the Padma Shri.

A total of 131 individuals had been selected for this honor. Of these, five were selected for the Padma Vibhushan, 13 for the Padma Bhushan, and 113 for the Padma Shri.

Padma Bhushan Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu is a globally recognised radiation oncologist.

Born in Andhra Pradesh, he has served as a consultant to the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency and is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, the American College of Radiation Oncology, and the American Society for Radiation Oncology.

Sharing glimpses of him receiving the award, the official X handle of the President of India said, "President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan to Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori for his exceptional contribution to the field of Medicine."

Hailing his achievements, it continued, "An internationally acclaimed oncologist and pioneering physician, Dr. Nori made revolutionary contributions to the field of cancer in the U.S., while always maintaining a keen interest in applying these advances to help cancer patients in India. His numerous cancer treatment techniques contributed to significant improvement in cure rates and saving lives globally."

ALSO READ: Indian-Americans bag three Padma Awards

The Consulate General of India congratulated him and said, "Congratulations to Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori on being conferred the Padma Bhushan by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu for his exceptional contribution to Medicine."

Indian tennis icon Padma Bhushan Vijay Amritraj, who had earlier received the Padma Shri, was also honored.

Congratulations to Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori on being conferred the Padma Bhushan by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu for his exceptional contribution to Medicine.

His pioneering work in oncology stands as a proud example of the India–U.S. partnership in advancing… https://t.co/MI6bNtMQt0

— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) June 23, 2026

Amritraj won 16 singles titles during his playing career and later served as India’s Davis Cup captain. He now serves as a commentator, featuring stints with Fox Sports in the United States, and has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Sharing glimpses of him receiving the award, the President of India's X account said, "President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan to Dr. Vijay Amritraj for his exceptional contribution to the field of Sports. One of the greatest tennis players of India, he represented the country in the Davis Cup for 20 consecutive years."

It further arked, "He achieved a career-high ATP ranking of 16, the highest by an Indian. He won 16 ATP Tour singles titles, which is the highest by any Asian player. In 2001, he was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace, the only Indian athlete to receive that distinction."

President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan to Dr. Vijay Amritraj for his exceptional contribution to the field of Sports. One of the greatest tennis players of India, he represented the country in the Davis Cup for 20 consecutive years. He achieved a career-high ATP ranking… pic.twitter.com/sOlFciNhtM

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 23, 2026

Padma Shri Dr. Prateek Sharma was recognized for his contributions to medicine. Dr. Sharma is widely recognised for his work in improving the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases and cancers, particularly through advanced imaging and endoscopic treatments.

Spotlighting his win, the Indian President's X account said, "President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri to Prof. Prateek Sharma for his remarkable contribution to the field of Medicine. Prof. Sharma is a world-renowned authority in gastroenterology, endoscopy, gastrointestinal cancers, and the application of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare."

It added, "He has devoted his career to improving the diagnosis and treatment of patients with gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. He has authored more than 550 peer-reviewed publications, clinical guidelines, and book chapters and continues to publish in high-impact journals."

Congratulating him, the Indian Embassy in USA said, "Heartiest congratulations to Prof. Prateek Sharma on being conferred the Padma Shri. A world-renowned authority in gastroenterology, endoscopy, and the application of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, his pioneering work has advanced the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and cancer worldwide."

Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri are India’s third and fourth highest civilian awards, respectively, conferred for distinguished service and contributions across diverse fields.

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President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri to Prof. Prateek Sharma for his remarkable contribution to the field of Medicine. Prof. Sharma is a world-renowned authority in gastroenterology, endoscopy, gastrointestinal cancers, and the application of Artificial Intelligence in… pic.twitter.com/gMNHuhzrr3

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 23, 2026