President Pranab Mukherjee today conferred Padma Awards to eminent persons for their achievements in various fields.

Noted High Energy Physicist Prof. Yashpal, International renowned sculptor Raghunath Mahopatra were conferred the Padma Vibhushan. Former Indian Cricket captian Rahul Dravid, Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore, DRDO Director General Dr.Vijaya Kumar Saraswat were among the ten Padma Bhushan awardees.

Bollywood actress and Hindi film English-Vinglish heroine Sridevi, Veteran Malayalam Actor Madhu, Sanskrit and Hindi Scholar Ramakant Shukla are among the 42 eminent persons who received Padma Shri awards from President Pranab Mukherjee.

Padma Awards are the country's highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna, given in three categories of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Padma awards, an honour by the President, symbolises recognition for talent and contribution of the receipients.