But look at the last 10 years together; and the real story emerges. Only 3 women reached Padma Bhushan/Vibhushan. Mental health? Just 2 honours, both at the lowest level. Gastroenterology is the only specialty to appear across all 3 Padma levels. And here’s the kicker; private hospitals and grassroots NGOs now get more recognition than state-run medical colleges, even though they treat far fewer patients. The shift started after 2022. Before COVID, government doctors dominated. After? Private sector surged. Why? The awards don’t say; but the pattern speaks loudly. Even diseases like kala-azar and sickle cell got more love than depression or anxiety. The Padma list isn’t just about doctors. It’s a mirror of who India chooses to see; and who it keeps invisible.