Prof. Shyam Bihari Agrawal's Padma Shri Award Celebrates Artistic Dedication and Impact

Former Allahabad University Professor Prof. Shyam Bihari Agrawal Receives Padma Shri

The Padma Shri Award is one of India's highest civilian honours, recognizing distinguished service in various fields, including arts, education, literature, science, sports, and public service. Announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, these awards are conferred by the President of India in a ceremonial function held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The significance of the Padma Shri lies in its acknowledgement of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields, thereby inspiring others and enriching society.

Prof. Shyam Bihari Agrawal, a distinguished artist, writer, and dedicated teacher from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2025 in the field of Arts. A former faculty member at Allahabad University, Agrawal has made significant contributions to the arts, following his post-graduate diploma from the Government College of Art and Craft in Calcutta in 1968. His journey in the arts has been marked by his dedication to teaching and his scholarly work, including his D. Phil degree for his dissertation on "Bharatiya Chitrakala Mein Reetikaleen Sahitya Ki Abivyakti."

Agrawal served as a faculty member at Allahabad University for 35 years, earning recognition as an excellent teacher in 2003 for his exceptional knowledge and impact on students. After retiring, he joined Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Prayagraj, where he established the Faculty of Visual Arts and served as Dean. He also held a visiting professorship at Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya in Khairagarh. As an accomplished artist and educator, Agrawal contributed to workshops, seminars, and cultural events across India, leaving a lasting impression with his expertise.

He was nominated by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh to the State Academy of Fine Arts, where he worked to support emerging artists and edited the Kala Trimasik magazine. He also authored a monograph on Saint Painter Kshitindra Nath Majumdar. Actively involved in research, Agrawal serves on academic committees at multiple universities and was honoured by Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya University and Kanpur University for his artistic contributions at their International Art Camp.

Agrawal expressed gratitude for being selected for the Padma Shri, noting it was the first time a painter from Uttar Pradesh had received the award. He was especially touched by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's tweet about his selection. His granddaughter, Aditi Agarwal, a student at Bishop Johnson School, shared her pride and happiness, stating that the whole family felt proud at that moment and that he had always been an inspiration to them. Prof. Shyam Bihari Agrawal's recognition with the Padma Shri Award 2025 highlights his significant contributions to the arts and his dedication as an educator and artist. His work has had a lasting impact on students and the artistic community, inspiring future generations.

Editor's Note:

Prof. Shyam Bihari Agrawal's receipt of the Padma Shri Award is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work in the arts, leading to national recognition. His achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, demonstrating that their contributions can have a lasting impact. Prof. Agrawal's success motivates countless Indian artists to continue pursuing their passions and striving for excellence. 

Skoobuzz congratulates and celebrates Prof. Agrawal's remarkable talent, emphasizing the vital role the arts play in enriching our society.