President Honored 71 Individulas With Padma Awards

The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors, presented annually to individuals for their exceptional service across various fields. The awards are divided into three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards honor individuals who have made remarkable contributions in fields such as art, public affairs, science, engineering, medicine, social work, literature, and education. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards on 71 distinguished individuals .

Why in the News?

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards on 71 distinguished individuals during the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan’s Durbar Hall.

Padma Bhushan Awardees in the Field of Art

• L. Subramaniam: Renowned violinist L. Subramaniam was honored with the Padma Vibhushan for his exceptional contribution to the field of music.
• Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous): Legendary playback singer Pankaj Udhas, known for his ghazals, was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan. His wife, Farida Udhas, received the award on his behalf.

Other Notable Awardees

• Nandamuri Balakrishna: The popular actor and legislator from Andhra Pradesh, Nandamuri Balakrishna, received the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to cinema and public life.
• S. Ajith Kumar: Actor S. Ajith Kumar was also honored with the Padma Bhushan for his work in Indian cinema.
• P.R. Sreejesh: Former Indian hockey goalkeeper, P.R. Sreejesh, was conferred the Padma Bhushan for his remarkable achievements in sports, particularly his contribution to Indian hockey.

Noteworthy Padma Shri Recipients

• Jaspinder Narula: Playback singer Jaspinder Narula received the Padma Shri for her significant contribution to music.
• Ravichandran Ashwin: Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin was awarded the Padma Shri for excellence in the sport of cricket.
• Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid: Vedic scholar Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid was recognized for his invaluable work in determining the auspicious timings for major religious events in India, such as the consecration of Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor foundation ceremony.
• Stephen Knapp: American author and researcher Stephen Knapp, known for his work on Vedic culture and spirituality, was honored with the Padma Shri for his contributions to literature and education.