PANAJI: On the eve of 70th Republic Day, the Government of India has announced the name of former defence minister and chief minister late Manohar Parrikar for Padma Bhushan posthumously for recognition of his work in the field of public affairs. Parrikar, who died of pancreatic ailment on March 17 last year had served as chief minister of the State four times. He had also served as the defence minister of the country from November 2014 to March 2017. He was first elected as the MLA of Panaji constituency in 1994.
Padma awards, one of the highest civilian awards of the country, are conferred in three categories-Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards are given in various disciplines/fields of activities including 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. This year the President has approved conferment of 141 Padma Awards including four duo cases. The list of awardees comprises 7 Padma Vibhushan, 16 Padma Bhushan and 118 Padma Shri Awards. 34 of the awardees are women and the awardees includes 18 persons from the category of foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and 12 posthumous awardees.