¨     K. Pajanivel has been honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution to traditional martial arts.

¨     He is a leading Silambam artist from Puducherry. The award recognises his role in preserving and promoting Silambam.
¨     He began training in Silambam under Master Rajaram.
¨     He has worked to popularise Silambam in India.
¨     He is known as both a skilled practitioner and a devoted teacher.
¨     His efforts focus on passing the tradition to younger generations.
¨     In 2023, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Martial Arts.
¨     Puducherry government awarded him with the Kalaimamani Award in 2012.
¨     He received the Best Youth Award from Nehru Yuva Kendra in 2004 and won the Silambam International Award in 2002.
¨     Silambam is an old Indian martial art. It originated in Tamil Nadu.
It is mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature. It is also known as Silambattam, Chilambam, and Chilambattam