Murmu presents the Padma awards to 71 personalities, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma awards to 71 personalities out of 139 announced on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day.
  • Awards given: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
  • Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Durbar Hall with the presence of top dignitaries including Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Union Ministers.

Detailed Insights:

• Prominent Padma Vibhushan awardees:
  • M.T. Vasudevan Nair (posthumous), Malayalam writer and filmmaker.
  • D. Nageshwar Reddy, gastroenterologist.
  • L. Subramaniam, violinist.
  • Notable Padma Bhushan awardees:
  • Shekhar Kapur, filmmaker.
  • Nandamuri Balakrishna, Telugu actor.
  • Pankaj Udhas, singer (posthumous).
  • Sushil Kumar Modi, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister.
  • P.R. Sreejesh, former hockey player.
  • S. Ajith Kumar, Tamil actor.
  • Padma Shri recognitions:
  • Included 30 unsung heroes, such as 100-year-old Libia Lobo Sardesai who contributed to Goa's freedom movement.
  • Other awardees came from diverse fields like literature, arts, medicine, social work, and science.

Significance:

• Celebrates diverse contributions across arts, science, public service, and sports.
  • Recognizes the role of grassroots change-makers and unsung heroes in nation-building.
  • Reinforces India's commitment to inclusive honours, highlighting both eminent personalities and lesser-known achievers.
  • Strengthens national integration and cultural appreciation through formal recognition.

Mains Mock Question:

"Discuss the significance of civilian honours like the Padma awards in promoting inclusive national recognition and motivating grassroots contributions."