Second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the coveted Padma awards to 65 eminent personalities, including legendary actors Mammootty and Satish Shah, cricketer Rohit Sharma, playback singer Alka Yagnik, and tennis icon Vijay Amritraj, during the second civil investiture ceremony held on Tuesday at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan Recipients
In the ceremony, the President presented the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, to former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas for public affairs and eminent Malayalam journalist P Narayanan for his contributions to literature and education. The Padma Bhushan was conferred upon Alka Yagnik, Mammootty, American oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori, tennis player Vijay Amritraj, industrialist S K M Maeilanandhan, and social worker and educationist Vellappally Natesan. Additionally, Rupi Soren, wife of JMM founder Shibu Soren, received the Padma Bhushan on behalf of the late leader.
Padma Shri Awardees: Rohit Sharma, Savita Punia, and Others
The President conferred the Padma Shri upon cricketer Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the last T20 World Cup, and hockey player Savita Punia. Notably, Vladimir Mestvirishvili, the Georgian coach who mentored Indian Olympic medallists like Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Ravi Dahiya, was awarded the Padma Shri posthumously; his wife accepted the award on his behalf.
Cultural and Social Highlights
The arrival of 83-year-old folk artist and cultural guardian from Nagaland, Guru Sangyusang Pongener, added a vibrant cultural touch to the ceremony. Dressed in traditional Naga attire, his spirited entry drew a huge round of applause from the audience, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Social worker Budhri Tati, who worked in education and women empowerment in the previously naxal-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, also received the Padma Shri. She too preferred her traditional dress and received warm applause as she accepted the honour.
Posthumous Awards and Other Notable Recipients
The President conferred the Padma Shri posthumously upon actor Satish Shah; his brother received the award on his behalf. Former CEO of Prasar Bharati and current CBFC Chairman Shashi Shekhar Vempati was also awarded the Padma Shri. Among other recipients were actor R Madhavan, Indian aerospace scientist Chandramouli Gaddamanugu (who led the Akash Missile system from development to deployment during Operation Sindoor), former MHA under secretary RVS Mani, and self-made entrepreneur Ashok Khade from a Dalit cobbler family who established a cutting-edge offshore fabrication company.
Diverse Fields of Achievement
Dalit author Asok Kumar Haldar, who wrote inspiring literature while working as a railway guard, Carnatic musicians Ranjani and Gayatri (counted as one award), actor Anil Kumar Rastogi, and chemistry professor Mahendra Nath Roy were also conferred the Padma Shri. The Padma Awards are given in various disciplines including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.
Overview of the Awards
On Republic Day eve, the government had announced 131 Padma awards, including two duo cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one). The awards included five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri. The President had conferred 65 Padma Awards – two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri – in the first civil investiture ceremony held on May 25. The remaining 65 awards (including a duo) were presented during the ceremony on Tuesday.
Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order; and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.
