General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff who was killed last year in a helicopter crash, vaccine makers Krishna Ella, Suchitra Ella, Cyrus Poonawalla, opposition politicians Ghulam Nabi Azad, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and Indian-origin Silicon Valley titans Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai were named for the country's top civilian awards on Tuesday, on the eve of the 73rd Republic Day, according to ndtv.com.
Former West bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee who was awarded the Padma Bhushan has rejected it. "If I am conferred with Padma Bhushan award, I am rejecting it," he said.
Rawat has been honoured with India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, along with former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh. Renowned classical vocalist Dr Parbha Atre of the Kirana Gharana was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan which she dedicated to her parents, mentors and audience for their guidance and support.
Kirana Gharana is among the most renowned lineages of classical music in the country, among its doyens being Bharat Ratna Bhimsen Joshi.
Speaking to reporters, Atre, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 1990 and Padma Bhushan in 2002, said, "I am extremely happy for this recognition. I consider it as the blessings of my family members, friends and audience who supported me in my journey.
There was no tradition of classical music or any kind of singing in my home, but I got into it. Looks like it was some divine message. I chose a unique path in my field and the audience appreciated it and continued supporting me," she added. She said putting a lot of thought in work brings one to a certain level of satisfaction. "It makes you very happy when the audience notices your thought process behind the songs and compositions. I am thankful for receiving such support and acceptance," Atre said.
Former Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee File Picture
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress has also been named for the third highest honours - Padma Bhushan.
Krishna Ella and Suchitra Ella of Bharat Biotech and Cyrus Poonawala of the Serum Institute of India will also get the Padma Bhushan for their role in India's response to COVID-19 with the Covaxin and Covishield vaccines, ndtv adds.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Google's Sundar Pichai were also named for the Padma Bhushan.
Singer Sonu Nigam and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra have been honoured with the Padma Shri along with Jamia Millia Islamia University Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar.
Sundar Pichai File Picture
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Google's Sundar Pichai were also named for the Padma Bhushan.
Singer Sonu Nigam and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra have been honoured with the Padma Shri along with Jamia Millia Islamia University Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar.
