Lucknow: Noted violinist N Rajam will receive the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian honour, from President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Ten more individuals from Uttar Pradesh, who have contributed immensely in the fields of arts, culture, music, medicine, and other important areas, will receive the Padma Shri.
N Rajam: A Life Dedicated to Music
Rajam, 88, retired as a professor and dean of the faculty of performing arts from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and is now settled in Thane district of Maharashtra. She was previously awarded the Padma Shri in 1984 and the Padma Bhushan in 2004. Another faculty member from BHU, musician Dr Mangala Kapoor, was also awarded the Padma Shri this year.
Padma Shri Awardees in Arts and Medicine
Chiranji Lal Yadav and Anil Rastogi will receive the Padma Shri in the arts category. In the field of medical science, Kewal Krishan Thakral, Rajendra Prasad, and Shyam Sundar have been chosen for their contributions.
Leading agricultural scientist Ashok Kumar Singh's efforts were recognised in the field of science and engineering. Singh has successfully developed 25 varieties of rice and has also produced the technology through which the country's first genome-edited rice was created.
Chest physician Rajendra Prasad is known as the father of pulmonary medicine in the country. He has been credited with developing the first DOTS centre for tuberculosis patients.
Shyam Sundar was instrumental in developing the first oral drug that effectively battles kala azar and also prepared a kit for rapid diagnosis of the disease.
Ayurveda doctor Kewal Krishan Thakral received the Padma Shri for being able to perform surgery on patients suffering from fistula and also treat bronchial asthma through Ayurveda.
Recognition in Archaeology, Sports, and Agriculture
Archaeologist Buddha Rashmi Mani has been recognised for his work on important historical sites. The former director of the National Museum played a crucial role in the discovery of various items and objects from the Ram temple site in Ayodhya, Sarnath in Varanasi, and 18 more places.
Swing bowler Pravin Kumar also made it on the list. Progressive farmer Raghupati Singh from Moradabad, known for innovation in organic farming, was conferred the Padma Shri posthumously.
The awards were announced on Republic Day.
