Padma Vibhushan Dr. Karan Singh Born heir apparent to Maharaja Hari Singh and Maharani Tara Devi of Jammu & Kashmir, he entered public life at 18 as Regent in 1949. He later served as Sadar-i-Riyasat and Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, and became India’s youngest Union Cabinet Minister under Indira Gandhi at age 36. A distinguished statesman, scholar, and author, he has held key roles in major cultural and academic institutions, served as Ambassador of India to the United States, and contributed significantly to interfaith dialogue, education, and wildlife conservation. Awarded the Padma Vibhushan, he is also known for his writings on philosophy, politics, and Indian culture.