Former External Affairs Minister late Sushma Swaraj, Olympian PV Sindhu and actor Kangana Ranaut were among prominent personalities who were honoured with the Padma awards by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday. The Padma awards were presented during a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Among other prominent names who have been honoured with the prestigious civilian awards include singer Adnan Sami; Hindustani classical exponent Pandit Chhannulal Mishra; and Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, former Head Scientist, ICMR, who played a prominent role in India’s fight against COVID-19, to name a few .
Actor Kangana Ranaut and Rani Rampal – the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team – were awarded Padma Shri by President Kovind in a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Air Marshal Dr Padma Bandopadhyay received the Padma Shri award in the field of medicine.
The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognise achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
