President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, May 25
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma awards to several distinguished and esteemed personalities on Monday, honouring their countless contributions to the nation, across diverse sectors including arts, cinema, public service, music, and more.
Among the most notable ones, Bollywood actor Dharmendra was conferred the Padma Vibhushan for his exceptional and distinguished service in the field of arts, and the honour was received by his wife and MP, Hema Malini.
Noted violinist N Rajam was also conferred with Padma Vibhushan at the Civil Investiture Ceremony, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and acclaimed banker Uday Kotak were honoured with Padma Bhushan.
This year, the Government announced 131 Padma Awards. These include 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.
Among the awardees, 19 are women, and 16 will be awarded posthumously.
The Padma Awards, namely Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are among the highest civilian awards of the country.
In the first civil investiture ceremony being held today, President Droupadi Murmu will confer 66 Padma Awards, including 2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan, and 58 Padma Shri.
The remaining Padma Awards will be presented in the second round of the civil investiture ceremony, the date for which will be announced later, reports said.
The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The awards recognise the achievements and contributions of acclaimed Indians in the fields and disciplines of Arts, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, and Trade and Industry.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the wide range of fields being recognized here—from music to banking to public service. N Rajam's Padma Vibhushan is particularly special, she's a true gem of Indian classical music. 🇮🇳
I know the Padma awards are prestigious, but every year I wonder: do they really capture the grassroots talent? 113 Padma Shri is a lot, but I hope the selection committee also looks at unsung heroes from villages and small towns, not just celebrities.
Bhagat Singh Koshyari getting Padma Bhushan raised my eyebrows a bit. Everyone knows the controversy around him during the Maharashtra floods. Still, congratulations to all the genuine achievers who made us proud! 👏
So heartwarming to see 19 women among the awardees! And 16 posthumous awards show we finally remember those who worked silently. The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan always gives me goosebumps. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳✨
I'm impressed by the diversity of fields—from arts to science to public affairs. But I wish the process was more transparent. Sometimes it feels like there's a bias toward names that are already famous. Still, kudos to President Murmu ji for gracing the occasion!
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