Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri are the four coveted awards of the Republic of India bestowed on individuals for their commendable contributions to the country in various areas.
This year, around 52 awardees were honoured (two Padma Vibhushan, five Padma Bhushan, and 45 Padma Shri) yesterday after President Of India Droupadi Murmu approved 106 Padma Awards on the eve of this year’s Republic Day.
Among the many innovators, politicians, scientists, social workers, philanthropists, and more, there were two fan favourites from the entertainment industry who received the fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, from the hands of the President at a function held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon was reportedly conferred with the Padma Shri in the field of art.
#WATCH | Actor Raveena Tandon receives the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu pic.twitter.com/9BaFYP3TZi
— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2023
“A versatile actor, she has given several award-winning performances. She is also a philanthropist and environmentalist,” wrote the official Twitter account of the President Of India.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri to Ms. Raveena Ravi Tandon for Art. A versatile actor, she has given several award winning performances. She is also a philanthropist and environmentalist. pic.twitter.com/0Yx4e7X7g6
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 5, 2023
Veteran music composer, singer, and lyricist, Marakathamani Keeravaani, AKA M.M. Keeravani also received the same award for his work in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi cinema.
He also received India’s first Oscar Award earlier this year in the best ‘Best Original Song’ category for the song ‘Nattu Naatu’ from the Telugu film ‘RRR.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri to Shri Marakathamani Keeravaani for Art. A veteran music composer, singer and lyricist, he has worked widely in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi cinema. pic.twitter.com/w65Iqrp8UV
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 5, 2023
In the group of winners was author and philanthropist Sudha Murty who was presented the Padma Bhushan for Social Work.
“A philanthropist, renowned author and Chairperson of Murty Foundation, she has initiated many projects in the fields of healthcare, education, art & culture, animal welfare and women’s empowerment.”
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan to Smt Sudha Murty for Social Work. A philanthropist, renowned author and Chairperson of Murty Foundation, she has initiated many projects in the fields of healthcare, education, art & culture, animal welfare and women's empowerment pic.twitter.com/qQJeEjnKfY
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 5, 2023
Moreover, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Late Mulayam Singh Yadav, and medical professional Dilip Mahalanabis, were conferred the Padma Vibhushan.
Raveena was on cloud nine on receiving the award. This is how she reacted:
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Thankyou all for the love and honour. Thankyou for your blessings papa, mummy and mom♥️🕉️ #padmashri pic.twitter.com/0IFe6DqkIR
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) April 5, 2023
As for the country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, it was last given to former President Pranab Mukherjee, Assamese singer-composer Bhupen Hazarika, and social activist Nanaji Deshmukh in 2019.
Congratulations to all the individuals who received the prestigious award.