Tuesday, May 26, 2026 23:30 [IST]
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President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan
NEW DELHI, (IANS): 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.