Superstar Rajinikanth, founder of the Reliance empire late Dhirubhai Ambani, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and media baron Ramoji Rao have been chosen for Padma Vibhushan, country’s second highest civilian award, this year.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan, former DRDO chief V K Aatre, cancer specialist and chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute Dr V Shanta and eminent Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Krishnamurthi and classical vocalist Girija Devi and Indian—American economist Avinash Dixit have also been named for Padma Vibhushan on the occasion of this year’s Republic Day celebrations.
Noted actor Anupam Kher, singer Udit Narayan, former CAG Vinod Rai, chairperson of media group Bennett, Coleman & Co. Indu Jain, sports star Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal, spiritual leaders late Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Tejomayananda and former US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill are among the 19 eminent people chosen for Padma Bhushan.
Industrialist Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry, Maruti Suzuki chairman R C Bhargava and eminent architect Hafeez Contractor also figure in the list of Padma Bhushan awardees.
Senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who was the prosecution counsel in the Mumbai terror attack case, gets Padma Shri. Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn and Priyanka Chopra also got Padma Shri.
Reacting on the announcement, Anupam Kher tweeted: “Happy, Humbled & Honoured to share that i have been awarded The PADMA BHUSHAN by the Govt. of India. Greatest news of my life:) #JaiHind (sic).”
Devgn, a two-time National award winner, is known for his intense performances in films like “Zakhm”, “The Legend of Bhagat Singh”, “Omkara”, “Gangajal”, “Apaharan” and “Drishyam”. “I feel deeply humbled yet elated to receive such honour from my own country. This announcement today makes it special for me when I’m filming abroad for my new film ‘Shivaay’. I’d like to acknowledge that Padma Samman puts an extra responsibility on me and I promise to serve my country for as long as I can,” Ajay Devgn said in a statement.
