Centre on Monday announced the winners of the one of the most prestigious awards of the country, Padma awards for the year 2016. The awards are conferred in three categories, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri.
Thalaiva of Indian cinema Rajnikanth, Ramoji Rao(Literature and Education), former J&K Governor Jagmohan, Girija Devi (Classical), Viswanathan Shanta (Medicine-Oncology), Shri Jagmohan,Public Affairs, Dr Vasudeva Kalkunte Aatrre, Yamini Krishnamurthi and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to be honored with the second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan.
Reliance Industries founder late Dhirubhai Ambani will be awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
Actor Anupam Kher, Singer Udit Narayan, sculptor Ram Sutar, Former CAG Vinod Rai and theatre personality Heisnam Kanhailal, Sportstars Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza and Former US Ambassador to India Robert D Blackwill are among Padma Bhushan awardees.
Ujjwal Nikam, Ajay Devgn, Priyanka Chopra, SS Rajamouli, Malini Awasthi are nominated for Padma Shri award.