On the occasion of India’s 74th Republic Day, the Indian government released a list of India’s top civilian awards, also known as the Padma awards. Over 106 individuals from across the country have been named for the same in 2023, out of which eight of them are from Karnataka.
The former Chief Minister of the state, SM Krishna was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour in the country. The political career of the 90-year-old politician spans six decades. Besides serving as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, he was also the External Affairs Minister of India.
SM Krishna. Credits – Deccan Herald
The veteran politician was a Congressman for the majority of his career, however, he joined the party of the ruling government, Bharatiya Janata Party in 2017. SM Krishna, who recently retired from politics, is credited with the development of the IT sector in Karnataka. Awarding SM Krishna, a member of the Vokkaliga community is seen as a political ploy in the poll-bound state.
The Chairperson of Infosys Foundation was awarded Padma Bhushan for her social work. Murthy is known for her philanthropic activities which she has undertaken for decades. Her work in the fields of rural development and education has served as a great source of inspiration for several individuals across the country.
Sudha Murthy. Credits – Sugar Mint
An engineer by profession, Sudha Murthy has also written several novels. Many of her works serve as texts for children.
Archeological chemist S. Subbaraman has been awarded, Padma Shri. He has worked on the conservation of several statues and idols. He was also one of the professionals who worked on the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan in 1977. Subbaraman’s works in the regions of Cambodia, Brihadeshwara temple in Thanjavur, and Ajanta paintings in Maharashtra are a few of his other works.
Besides the above-mentioned personalities, several other well-known individuals from Karnataka have been conferred the Padma awards. 67 years old Shah Rashid Ahmed Khadri who worked on the famous Karnataka Tableau for the R-Day in 2011, was also one of the recipients of the Padma Shri award.
Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri. Credits – Twitter
Munivenkatappa, a famous folk artist from Chickballapur, has been honoured with Padma Shri. Besides mastering the art of playing Tamate, he also served as a teacher in introducing this art form to several youngsters. Munivenkatappa is also known for introducing newer patterns in the art form.
Munivenkatappa. Credits – Vistara new
An ‘Ummathat’ folk dancer from the Kodagu region was also awarded for promoting the Kodava culture through dance. The former president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has also brought several younger students under her wings.
The Millet Man of India, Khada Valli Dudekula has been honoured with Padma Shri for his contribution as an agricultural scientist. Dudekula is known for reviving five types of endangered millets. He originally hails from the Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh and has received several degrees from different education streams.
Millet Man Of India. Credits – Prout Now
The 91-year-old writer Dr. S L Bhyrappa will not be referred to as Padma Vibhushan Bhyrappa. He is known for authoring several best-selling novels, which have been translated into multiple Indian languages. Dr. Bhyrappa is known for their unique writing style, which helps the reader connect with human emotions.
