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Sudha Murty Receives Padma Bhushan
President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma awards to distinguished awardees across diverse fields at Rashtrapati Bhavan Wednesday evening. At the function, author and philanthropist Sudha Murty was also conferred with Padma Bhushan for social work.
Among those present at the awards ceremony included her daughter Akshata Murty, who is married to the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. She was seen in the front row next to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Anurag Thakur along with other dignitaries at the majestic Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a picture that has surfaced online, Akshata Murty stood next to Mr Jaishankar as the national anthem was played at the beginning and end of the ceremony.
Sudha Murty's husband and Infosys founder, NR Narayana Murthy, son Rohan Murty, and her sister Dr Sunanda Kulkarni were also present at the ceremony. A philanthropist, and renowned author, Sudhar Murty, was also the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation until December 2021.
Prior to this event, Akshata Murty, her two daughters and her mother Sudha Murty were spotted holidaying at Benaulim Beach in south Goa, in February 2023.
Meanwhile, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P Nadda and several Union ministers were also present at the function.
A total of 53 awardees were given the honour on Wednesday--three Padma Vibhushan, five Padma Bhushan and 45 Padma Shri. Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian award, is given for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.
Veteran socialist leader and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Late Mulayam Singh Yadav, medical professional Dilip Mahalanabis, physicist Deepak Dhar, novelist S L Bhyrappa, Vedic scholar Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, music director M M Keeravaani were among the notable personalities who received the Padma awards, as per a PTI report.