New Delhi [India], May 9 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday hosted dinner for the Padma awardees at his residence after the conclusion of the Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan earlier today.
Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu presented 2 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri awards for 2024 at a grand civil investiture ceremony.
"The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented 2 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan and 56 Padma Shri Awards for the year 2024 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II held with grandeur in Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan today," as per a Ministry of Home Affairs press release.
Megastar Chiranjeevi, who was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award, also attended the special dinner hosted by Amit Shah. Chiranjeevi's wife Surekha Konidela, son Ram Charan and daughter-in-law Upasana Kamineni Konidela also marked their presence. They were all smiles as they dined together with Amit Shah.
After receiving Padma Vibhushan from President Droupadi Murmu, legendary actress Vyjayanthimala also graced the dinner with her ethereal presence. Decked up in a yellow silk saree, Vyjayanthimala happily bonded over dinner with Shah and other fellow winners.
The 'Devdas' actress also briefly spoke with ANI and expressed her gratitude for the special Padma honour she received.
"I have to thank my god for his compassion, kindness, and mercy... It's our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and the Government of India who have recognised my art- dance as well as films. I received the Padma Shri in 1969, and now the Padma Vibhushan is a very big thing. I am happy and humbled to receive this award," she said.
Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian awards in the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
'Padma Vibhushan' is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, 'Padma Bhushan' for distinguished service of high order; and 'Padma Shri' for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
Last month, the President presented three Padma Vibhushan, eight Padma Bhushan and 55 Padma Shri Awards on April 22.
"The Padma Awardees will pay homage at the National War Memorial tomorrow morning. They will also visit Rashtrapati Bhawan and Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya," as per a Ministry of Home Affairs press release.