President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards upon the late M. Fathima Beevi, marking a historic recognition of her groundbreaking legacy as the first woman judge of the Supreme Court. In a ceremony filled with reverence and honor, President Murmu celebrated Beevi's remarkable contributions to the judiciary, paving the way for gender equality and inspiring generations to come. The award not only commemorates Beevi's unparalleled achievements but also serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the Indian legal system.

Family members of Beevi received the awards.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah graced the occasion with their presence as President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards

The awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day every year.

For 2024, the president had approved the conferment of 132 Padma awards, including two duo cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one).

The list comprises five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri awards.

Thirty of the awardees are women. The list also includes eight people from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and nine posthumous awardees.

Justice Beevi's educational journey began at Catholicate High School in Pathanamthitta, where she completed her schooling. She further pursued her academic aspirations by earning a Bachelor of Science degree from University College, Trivandrum.

She obtained her Bachelor of Law degree from Government Law College and was enrolled as an Advocate on November 14, 1950.

She began her career in the lower Judiciary of Kerala in 1950, and soon rose through the ranks serving as the Munsiff in the Kerala Subordinate Judicial Services, as a Subordinate Judge, as a Chief Judicial Magistrate, as a District & Sessions Judge, as a Judicial Member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal -- to become a High Court Judge in 1983, and a Supreme Court Judge in 1989.

She also served as the Chancellor of Tamil Nadu University during her tenure as Governor, and was the recipient of the Hon. D. Litt and Mahila Shiromani Award in 1990. She was also awarded with the Bharat Jyoti Award and the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) Lifetime Achievement Award.