President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma awards upon a group of exceptional individuals at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event recognized their remarkable contributions to various fields, ranging from public service and arts to social work and entertainment.

Recognizing Exceptional Service:

Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and renowned actor Chiranjeevi were bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, for their outstanding service to the nation. Other notable recipients included the founder of Sulabh International, Bindeshwar Pathak, and acclaimed actor Mithun Chakraborty, both of whom received the Padma Bhushan for their distinguished service in their respective fields.

Padma Awards: Celebrating Excellence:

The Padma awards are categorized into three levels: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. These awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day and are conferred by the President of India.

Diverse and Accomplished Awardees:

This year, 132 Padma awards were conferred, including five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awards. The list of awardees encompassed individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields, including 30 women, eight individuals from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, and nine posthumous awardees.

Chiranjeevi: A Multifaceted Icon:

Among the awardees, Chiranjeevi received widespread acclaim and congratulations for his remarkable achievements. His contributions extend beyond his illustrious career in cinema, encompassing his service as the Union Tourism Minister and his philanthropic endeavors, including his Blood Bank and various social initiatives.

A Celebration of Dedication and Service:

The Padma awards ceremony serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and service of exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation and society. Their achievements inspire countless others and serve as a testament to the power of human endeavor.