In a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred the prestigious Padma Awards upon 68 eminent personalities, recognizing their exceptional contributions across various fields. Among the distinguished recipients were former Chief Justice of India, Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar, renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Shobana Chandrakumar, and veteran actor Anant Nag, who were honored for their significant public service and artistic excellence.
This event marked the second civil investiture ceremony, following an earlier ceremony on April 28 where 71 individuals received their awards. In total, 139 distinguished persons were named for the country’s civilian awards – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri – on the eve of the 76th Republic Day on January 25.
Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar Awarded Padma Vibhushan for Public Affairs
Former Chief Justice of India, Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar, received the Padma Vibhushan, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, for his exemplary service in public affairs. Justice Khehar, who served as the 44th Chief Justice of India, is remembered for his landmark judgments and his commitment to the judiciary. His recognition underscores the importance of a robust and independent legal system in the nation’s progress.
Shobana Chandrakumar and Anant Nag Honored with Padma Bhushan for Contributions to Art
The Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, was bestowed upon several notable personalities, including dancer and actor Shobana Chandrakumar and veteran film actor Anant Nag.
Shobana, a celebrated Bharatanatyam exponent and versatile actress, was recognized for her profound impact on the field of art. Her dedication to classical dance and her captivating performances in numerous films have enriched Indian cinema and performing arts for decades.
Anant Nag, a revered figure in Indian cinema, particularly in the Kannada film industry, was also conferred with the Padma Bhushan. With a career spanning over five decades and more than 300 films to his credit, Nag is celebrated for his versatility and his indelible mark on both mainstream and parallel cinema. His memorable roles have garnered him a wide following and critical acclaim across generations.
Recognizing a Diverse Spectrum of Excellence
The ceremony saw a diverse range of individuals being honored, reflecting the government’s commitment to recognizing “unsung heroes” and those who have made selfless contributions to society. This year’s awardees also included several posthumous recognitions, such as for late Kathak dancer Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia and late legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha, with their families accepting the awards on their behalf.
Other prominent personalities who received awards included leading immunologist and King George’s Medical University Vice Chancellor Soniya Nityanand, footballer Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, classical singer Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, actor Ashok Laxman Saraf, traditional mask maker Reba Kanta Mahanta, and musician Ricky Gyan Kej, among many others who received the Padma Shri.
The Padma Awards are presented in various disciplines, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. Instituted in 1954, these awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, celebrating individuals from all walks of life who have excelled and served the nation with distinction. The ongoing efforts to identify talented persons from diverse backgrounds, including women, weaker sections of society, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and divyang persons, further underscore the inclusive nature of these prestigio.