President Murmu confers Padma awards to Rohit Sharma, Mammootty, Vijay Amritraj

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma awards on eminent personalities including Rohit Sharma, Mammootty, Vijay Amritraj and Alka Yagnik at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The ceremony recognised achievements across sports, arts, literature, social service and public affairs in the second investiture event

New Delhi: Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, actors Mammootty and Satish Shah, cricketer Rohit Sharma, and playback singer Alka Yagnik were among eminent personalities conferred with the Padma awards by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday.

In the second civil investiture ceremony at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President presented the Padma Vibhushan to former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas for public affairs and eminent Malayalam journalist P Narayanan for contribution to literature and education.

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Alka Yagnik, Mammootty, American oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori, tennis player Vijay Amritraj, industrialist S K M Maeilanandhan, and social worker and educationist Vellappally Natesan received the Padma Bhushan during the ceremony.

Rupi Soren, wife of JMM founder Shibu Soren, received the Padma Bhushan on behalf of the late leader.

The President conferred the Padma Shri on cricketer Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the last T20 World Cup, and hockey player Savita Punia.

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 received the award on his behalf.

The function was attended by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among other dignitaries.

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 applause from the audience, including Prime Minister Modi. He received the Padma Shri.

Social worker Budhri Tati, who worked in education and women’s empowerment in the erstwhile Naxal-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, also received the Padma Shri.

She preferred traditional attire and received warm applause while accepting the honour.

The President also conferred the Padma Shri on actor Satish Shah posthumously. The actor was known for roles in Ye Jo Hai Zindagi, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and the cult film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. His brother received the award on his behalf.

Former CEO of Prasar Bharati Shashi Shekhar Vempati, now CBFC chairman, was also awarded the Padma Shri.

The President conferred a total of 65 Padma awards in the ceremony, including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan and 56 Padma Shri awards.

Actor R Madhavan, DRDL scientist Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, RVS Mani and entrepreneur Ashok Khade were among other Padma Shri awardees.

Dalit author Asok Kumar Haldar, railway guard-turned-writer; Carnatic duo Ranjani and Gayatri; actor Anil Kumar Rastogi and chemistry professor Mahendra Nath Roy were also conferred the Padma Shri.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the Padma awards celebrate exceptional service and dedication across diverse fields.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also congratulated the awardees and hosted a dinner in their honour.