Pure fragrance of Padma awards

Padma means lotus. The lotus is the national flower of India. Perhaps that is why the name Padma has been added to the names of the highest civilian honours announced by the country every year. Anyway, Padma is also associated with the purity of spirituality and self-knowledge in Indian mythology and epics. Every year, the Padma Awards are conferred upon those who spread the light of wisdom and talent through remarkable and distinguished contributions in various fields. Since it is the central government that selects and announces the recipients of the Padma awards, it is natural that some opposing voices and controversies arise in connection with it. Anyway, it is joyful to see that the announcement of this year's Padma awards did not give any room for such differences of opinion.

Nine people from Kerala have been named the recipients of Padma honours this time. While Padma Bhushan will be conferred upon Justice M Fathima Beevi (posthumously), Usha Uthup and O Rajagopal, Padma Shri will be conferred upon Muni Narayana Prasad, Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, Sadanam Balakrishnan, EP Narayanan, Sathyanarayana Beleri, P Chitran Namboodiripad (posthumously). Padma Bhushan awardee Justice M Fathima Beevi had made her mark in the field of justice. So does Usha Uthup in the field of music and art. Both of them created history in their respective fields. Although O Rajagopal is a senior BJP leader with a Jana Sangh background and a former Union Minister, he is a charismatic leader and a rare example of one who keeps a penitent heart in public life.

Padma Shri awardee Muni Narayana Prasad's writings spread light on spiritual quests. Although Travancore Royal family member Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi won the Padma Shri in the literary category, beyond writing, she is an eternal presence in the minds of Malayalis by shedding light of simplicity and compassion. Sadanam Balakrishnan and EP Narayanan are renowned gurus from the Kathakali and Theyam arenas, which are the pillars of Kerala's unique tradition. Sathyanarayana Beleri from Kasargod is a person who inspired many by conserving 650-odd rice varieties by starting a paddy gene bank. Education expert and writer Chitran Namboothiripad has been conferred the Padma award posthumously. The life of each of these winners has a charm that combines the culture and glory of Malayalam.

Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and dancer and actress Vyjayanthimala Bali are among the five recipients of the Padma Vibhushan. A total of 17 people will be conferred the Padma Bhushan and 110 will be conferred the Padma Shri. One shining feature of this year's Padma Awards is the fact that 30 of the award winners are women. The Padma Awards are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. It has to be said that this time, the names of the award winners were announced late at night. The public may not be sufficiently aware of the silent contributions of at least some of the award winners. This untimely announcement should not be a hindrance to the media to provide details about the contributions of each of them in various fields along with the news. Making the Padma announcement earlier on Republic Day will only add to its fragrance.