In a splendid ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma awards to 132 exceptional individuals, showcasing the diverse talent and contributions across various fields. Among the illustrious recipients were yesteryear actor Vyjayanthimala Bali, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, and the first woman judge of the Supreme Court, late Justice M. Fathima Beevi.
The event, graced by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrated excellence in fields as varied as art, social work, sports, and science. Heartwarming moments punctuated the ceremony, including a standing ovation for divyang K.S. Rajanna and an endearing gesture by Prime Minister Modi towards Padma Shri awardee Pran Sabharwal. The awards not only recognized exceptional achievements but also stood as a testament to the inclusivity and diversity of India’s cultural tapestry.