Gen Bipin Rawat awarded with Padma Vibhushan posthumously
Azad, Poonawala, Nadella among awardees
New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday announced the names of 128 Padma awardees for this year on the eve of the Republic Day, with the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh to be conferred with Padma Vibhushan posthumously for their exceptional and distinguished service in the field of civil service and public affairs, respectively.
Radheshyam Khemka will also be honoured with Padma Vibhushan posthumously for his contribution in the field of literature and education, while noted Indian classical vocalist Prabha Atre will be given the honour for his contribution to Art.
Among those who will be conferred with Padma Bhushan include former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, former West Bengal CM and veteran CPI (M) leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and actor Victor Banerjee. Serum Institute of India MD Cyrus Poonawala, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Alphabet Inc CEO Sundar Pichai have been awarded with Padma Bhushan. Out of the 104 names announced for Padma Shri include Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra and singer Sonu Nigam.
Among the 128 names announced, 34 awardees are women. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated all the recipients of the Padma awards.
“No nation can excel without the contribution of selfless individuals working tirelessly to serve society. Congratulations to all those who have been conferred with the Padma Awards,” Shah tweeted.
He further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to honouring ‘real heroes’ of the country. “Congratulations to all the extraordinary people who are the symbols of change, on being conferred with the prestigious Padma Awards. A fitting tribute to recognise their exemplary contribution to society. We all salute them for their excellent work,” BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda tweeted. (UNI)
