In a surprising decision, the government of India has given Bharat Ratna to Pranab Mukherjee, former President and Union Minister.

"Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

Legendary RSS man, late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh is another Bharat Ratna recipient. Celebrated playback singer Bhupen Hazarika also gets the highest civilian honour.

Teejan Bai (a folk artist), Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, entrepreneur and L&T chairman Anilkumar Manibhai Naik, and acclaimed writer Balwant Moreshwar Purandare get Padma Vibhushan.

Padma Bhushan goes to ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Kariya Munda, Malayalam actor Mohanlal, journalist Kuldeep Nayyar (Posthumous), mountaineer Bachendri Pal and parliamentarian Hukmdev Narayan Yadav.

Padma Shri has gone for 94 people in total. Cricketer Gautam Gambhir and actor-director Prabhu Deva are among them. Iconic lyricist Sirivennela Sitharamasastry too is a recipient. Veteran actor Kader Khan (who died recently), Hindi actor Manoj Bajpayee, footballer Sunil Chhetri, singer Shankar Mahadevan and wrestler Bajrang Punia are among them.