Mulayam Singh Yadav, Zakir Hussain, KM Birla and Sudha Murty are among 106 Padma Award recipients this year. The government announced the names on the eve of the 74th Republic Day.
Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian awards of the country - are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, for excellence in various disciplines and fields of activities such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
Mr Yadav, the late chief of the Samajwadi Party, has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan in the field of public affairs. Mr Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan in the field of art. Mr Birla got the Padma Bhushan for trade and industry. Ms Murty received the Padma Bhushan for social work.
Late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, actor Raveena Tandon and Manipur BJP president Thounaojam Chaoba Singh were also honoured with the Padma Awards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations. "India cherishes their rich and varied contributions to the nation and their efforts to enhance our growth trajectory," he said.
The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and the Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.
These awards will be conferred by President Droupadi Murmu at ceremonial functions to be held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March and April every year.
This year, the President has approved of 106 Padma Awards including 3 duo cases (in a duo
case, the award is counted as one).
The list comprises six Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan and 91 Padma Shri Awards.
Mithun Chakraborty On Padma Bhushan Honour: "Thought Everyone Was Getting The Award, So Why Not Me?" At UP Rally, PM Modi Rakes Up Mulayam Singh's 'Boys Will Be Boys' Remark Why High Court Rejected Challenge To Hindu Prayers In Gyanvapi Cellar Germany Refused To Extradite Saudi Suspect? Suicidal Empathy, Says Elon Musk 4-Year-Old Boy Run Over By Speeding Creta In Mumbai, Teen Driver Arrested 2 Dead, Many Feared Trapped For 17 Hours After Mohali Building Collapse AAP Announces Door-To-Door Registration Drive For 2 New Welfare Schemes Stepwell That May Be Over 150-Years-Old Unearthed In UP's Sambhal Donald Trump's Daughter-in-law Lara Withdraws From Senate Bid Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.