Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and veteran socialist leader Mulayam Singh Yadav was conferred the Padma Vibhushan posthumously by President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday. Mulayam's son and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav received the award on his behalf at the event in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Yadav, one of Uttar Pradesh's most prominent leaders, was the CM of the state for three terms. A 10-time MLA and seven-time Lok Sabha MP, he had also held the position of Defence Minister in the Union government.
The SP patriarch, awarded the Padma Vibhushan in the field of public affairs, passed away on October 10, 2022, at the age of 82. He founded the Samajwadi Party in 1992.
Besides Mulayam Singh Yadav, renowned medical professional Dilip Mahalanabis was also given the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Mahalanabis' award was received by his nephew.
Infosys founder Narayana Murthy's wife and author Sudha Murty was conferred with Padma Bhushan for social work.
Physicist Deepak Dhar, who is known for his long-standing research career in statistical physics, novelist SL Bhyrappa and Vedic scholar Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji were given the Padma Bhushan
Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravani, who composed the song 'Naatu Naatu' in the film RRR, received the Padma Shri from President Murmu.
Founder of Super 30 educational programme, Anand Kumar, received Padma Shri. The Bollywood movie 'Super 30' is based on his life.
Actor Raveena Tandon was also conferred with the Padma Shri. Coomi Nariman Wadia, India's first female conductor of choral music, was also honoured with the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the Padma Awards on the eve of the 74th Republic Day. Six people were awarded the Padma Vibhushan, nine were given the Padma Bhushan and 91 people were awarded the Padmi Shri.
A total of 53 awardees were given the honour on Wednesday -- three Padma Vibhushan, five Padma Bhushan and 45 Padma Shri. The other distinguished personalities were given the awards on March 22.
Padma awards are conferred in three categories -- Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. India's top civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, has not been given to anyone since 2019.
(With PTI inputs)