President Droupadi Murmu today conferred Padma Awards on several eminent personalities during Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. They were awarded for their exceptional and distinguished services. President Murmu conferred Padma Vibhushan on former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in the field of Public Affairs, Bharatnatyam dancer Dr Padma Subrahmanyam in the field of Art and Bindeshwar Pathak (Posthumously) in the field of Social Work.

The President also conferred Padma Bhushan on Actor Mithun Chakraborty for his dynamic performances and powerful portrayals in Bengali and Hindi cinema. Famous singer Usha Uthup in the field of Art, Dr. Chandreshwar Prasad Thakur for his lifetime contribution to research and policy on Kala Azar, Veteran Marathi Film Director Dattatray Ambadas Mayaloo alias Rajdutt in the field of Art, Veteran political leader and former Union Minister Ram Naik in the field of Public Affairs are among those who received Padma Bhushan.

Veteran tennis player Rohan Bopanna received the PadmaShri for his contribution in the field of Sports.

Renowned Wood Carving Craftsperson Ghulam Nabi Dar from Jammu and Kashmir, Tribal Farmer from Assam Sarbeswar Basumatary, surgeon Dr. Prema Dhanraj and an Ayurveda doctor Manohar Krishana Dole among others who received PadmaShri during the ceremony.

Talking to Akashvani, Padma Bhushan awardee and noted singer Usha Uthup expressed her happiness. She also lauded Akashwani saying that it has been an integral part of her life.

Padma Shri awardee, India’s para swimmer Satyendra Singh Lohia said, this is the visionary step of the Central Government that talented people from all walks of life are being chosen for this prestigious award.

Talking to Akashvani, Padma Shri awardee in the field of Art, Mahabir Singh Guddu said the Akashwani has played an important role in reaching this level.

Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and Padma Shri is awarded for distinguished service in any field.