President of India Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Padma Awards 2016 on Monday, March 28. The award presentation ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan and was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Padma Awards are given to recognise people's distinguished contribution in various fields including art, science, social work, public affairs, medicine, literature, sports, educations, trade and industry and civil services among many others.
Padma Awards are divided into three categories -- Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Nine personalities received the Padma Vibhushan, 13 well-known people won the Padma Bhushan and 83 persons have been awarded with Padma Shri.
The personalities, who were honoured Monday, include stars like Ajay Devgn, Anupam Kher and Madhur Bhandarkar. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, architect Hafeez Contractor, former Comptroller Auditor General Vinod Rai, Badminton player Saina Nehwal, archer Deepika Kumari, Reliance Industries founder late Dhirubhai Ambani, chef Imitiaz Qureshi, scientist Onkar Nath, journalists Ashok Malik and Pushpesh Pant among others also were honoured.
Padma Awards: Ajay Devgn, Anupam Kher, Madhur Bhandarkar receive honours
Earlier, Anupam Kher expressed his joy at winning the Padma Bhushan as he tweeted, "Happy, Humbled and Honoured to share that i have been awarded The PADMA BHUSHAN by the Govt. of India. Greatest news of my life:) #JaiHind (sic)." Rajinikanth too took to Twitter and said, "Feeling deeply honoured for being awarded the Padma Vibhushan.My heartfelt thanks to my dear fans, well wishers & friends for all the wishes (sic)." Check photos of eminent personalities being honoured with the Padma Awards by President Mukherjee below:
