Recently at the Padma Awards 2020 which was held in Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 9, Para-athlete KY Venkatesh was conferred with the Padma Shri for his extraordinary contribution in the field of sports and its development. Despite suffering from a bone disorder that is characterised by dwarfism., Venkatesh pursued a career in sports which started way back in 1994.
According to India Today, KY Venkatesh led India at the fifth Dwarf Olympic Games in 2009 and our country won 17 medals that year. His name has been entered in the Limca Book of Records for winning the highest number of medals in the World Dwarf Games, 2005. He is also the first Indian athlete to represent the country in the games and won medals in athletics and badminton events. He has now retired from sports and serves as the secretary of the Karnataka Para-Badminton Association.
What is remarkable is that during the Padma Awards ceremony, President Ram Nath Kovind stepped down from the stage to present the award to the para-athlete. It was a mark of respect and equality. Have a look at the video here:
People online called our President an “inspiration” and lauded him for his thoughtful gesture. Here’s a look at some of the reactions:
Differently -abled Shri K. Y. Venkatesh
Para-athlete and Limca Record holder Lead India in Dwarf Olympics 2009, where india won 17 medalsThat gesture from president 🙌🥰 pic.twitter.com/DKjJq3dzX1
— Aaraadhya Saxena 🇮🇳 (@ihailmyindia) November 9, 2021
Such gestures makes our #president super human and idol for us.
Many congratulations to Shri K Y Venkatesh, thanks making us super proud on your achievements#PadmaAwards https://t.co/H9suFHe9Dm
— C.M.Patil (@cmpatil7) November 11, 2021
Best part was when our President Shri. Ramnath Kovind stepped down to honour Shri K. Y. Venkatesh. What a pleasing moment. Best Gesture🙏🏻 https://t.co/o74ywBxZZF
— #EndAnimalSacrifices 🇮🇳 (@Nami_fight4life) November 10, 2021
What an excellent tweet. I was not knowing at all that this too happened yesterday.
Humility of Shri Ramnath Kovid @rashtrapatibhvn is also touching and inspiring so is of the recipeint of Padma Awardee Shri K Y Venkatesh.Humility at its best.
— 🇮🇳 Sanjeev Singh (@Sanjeev_Singh79) November 9, 2021
This small jesture by hon’ble President, shows his down to earth manners and India’s tradition to value everyone equal, irrespective of everything, which all of us should learn from the first citizen
— Rama Narayana (@RamaNar68656352) November 10, 2021
How thoughtful and humble president we have .we should all be proud of his gesture and thought fullness .very very proud of your gesture sir to move the awardee and honour him with his badge with all respect. Proud of you sir.
— Dr.Mohan Kumar R.K (@implantmoni) November 10, 2021
They’re the real heroes ! What a gesture from @rashtrapatibhvn and so inspiring is the recipient of Padma AWARDEE SHRI KY VENKATESH ! Nothing to beat the humility !
— Renu Sharma 🇮🇳 (@RenuSha36631550) November 9, 2021
This is a quality of my country’s President 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
— Babbar Kamal (@BabbarKamal) November 9, 2021
A grand salute to both the President and sir KY Venkatesh!