When the list of Padma awards unveiled by Home Ministry, a day before the Ceremony of Republic Day, it came as shock that only four Muslim names are to be honored with country’s highest civilian awards.
There is a drop in the number of Muslim awardees compared to the previous year’s stats. In 2014, seven Muslims were honoured with Padma awards, six in the year 2013 and eight Muslims in 2012.
The four Muslim Padma awardees of 2015 are:
Mohammad Yusuf Khan, popularly known as Dilip Kumar of Indian Film Industry and was labeled as the Tragedy King.
Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, who according to Forbes is one of the world’s ten richest royals, spends about $600 million [USD] per year on philanthropic institutions.
Saba Anjum will receive the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution as member of the Indian women’s hockey team and Late Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin will be the honouree of Padma Sri. He was the last and 52nd Da’I al Mutlaq of Dawoodi Bohras.