Pune, 23 July 2025: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will be conferred with the 43rd Lokmanya Tilak National Award on August 1 in Pune. The award is presented annually by the Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust to mark the death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of India’s most revered freedom fighters.
Established in 1983, the award honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation’s progress and development. It carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a citation.
Last year, the award was presented to Rajya Sabha MP and philanthropist Sudha Murty for her work in rural upliftment, literature, and social service. In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the recipient, recognised for his leadership and efforts in promoting patriotism and national unity.
Over the years, several distinguished personalities have received the Lokmanya Tilak Award, including former Presidents and Prime Ministers like Pranab Mukherjee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Indira Gandhi, and Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Industrialists and scientists such as Rahul Bajaj, Cyrus Poonawalla, Verghese Kurien, and M.S. Swaminathan has also been honoured, along with leaders like Sharad Pawar, Sheila Dikshit, and defence scientist Tessy Thomas.
This year, Nitin Gadkari’s recognition reflects his longstanding role in infrastructure development and public service, aligning with the spirit of Tilak’s vision for a strong and self-reliant India.