President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Shri award upon K. Pajanivel, a Silambam exponent from Puducherry, at Rashtrapati Bhavan [2].

The recognition highlights the Indian government's effort to preserve indigenous cultural heritage and traditional combat systems. By honoring Pajanivel, the state elevates the profile of regional martial arts on a national stage.

Pajanivel received the civilian honor on May 25, 2024 [2]. The award recognizes his lifelong dedication to the promotion and preservation of Silambam, a Tamil martial art that is approximately 5,000 years old [3].

Silambam is a staff-fencing discipline rooted in the ancient traditions of Tamil Nadu. Pajanivel's work has focused on ensuring the art form survives into the modern era through training and public demonstration [1].

The ceremony took place in New Delhi, where the president presented the award to Pajanivel and other distinguished citizens [2]. The announcement of the honor had been made earlier on May 20, 2024 [1].

As a master from Puducherry, Pajanivel represents a bridge between historical combat techniques and contemporary athletic practice. The award serves as a validation of the technical and cultural rigor required to maintain such an ancient discipline [1].

Officials and supporters of the martial art said that the honor brings visibility to the specific regional identity of Tamil Nadu's combat history. The Padma Shri is one of the highest civilian awards in India, signaling that the preservation of traditional arts is viewed as a significant contribution to the nation's social fabric [1].

“K. Pajanivel received the Padma Shri for his work promoting the 5,000-year-old Tamil martial art.”

The conferral of the Padma Shri on K. Pajanivel signifies a strategic shift toward recognizing 'intangible heritage'—such as martial arts—alongside more traditional academic or political achievements. By elevating a Silambam master, the Indian state acknowledges the role of regional cultural practitioners in maintaining national identity and historical continuity.