New Delhi, 08 June (H.S.):

President Droupadi Murmu will confer Padma Awards on 65 distinguished individuals during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 23.

Earlier, on May 25, the President presented Padma Awards to 66 eminent personalities during the first Civil Investiture Ceremony. Those awards included two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan and 58 Padma Shri honours.

For this year, the President approved a total of 131 Padma Awards, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards. These prestigious civilian honours are announced annually on the occasion of Republic Day.

The Padma Awards are among India's highest civilian honours and are conferred in recognition of exceptional contributions across a wide range of fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports and civil service.

Notably, the Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, the Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and the Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of endeavour.

The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will serve as an important occasion to honour individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the nation through their achievements and service in diverse sectors. The event will bring together award recipients whose work has had a significant impact on society and contributed to India's development and cultural enrichment.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar