Noted music composer Illaiyaraja, litterateur P Parameswaran and 41 other prominent personalities will be conferred with the prestigious Padma awards of 2018 by President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi . Official sources said the function will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries will be present.
Keeping its promise of honouring unsung heroes, the government this year honoured with Padma awards several personalities who served the poor, set up free schools and popularised tribal arts globally. This year, as many as 84 Padma awards were announced.
The list comprises three Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan and 72 Padma Shri awards. The awards are given in different fields and disciplines such as art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry.
The remaining awardees will be conferred with the honour at another function to be held on the 2nd of next month.