Five from T.N., one from Puducherry get Padma awards
The Hindu
Padma Bhushan for Vani Jairam and Padma Shri for Kalyanasundaram Pillai
Five persons from Tamil Nadu and one from Puducherry have been chosen for the Padma Awards this year for their contribution in the their respective fields, including medicine, art and social work.
Renowned singer Vani Jairam has been chosen for the Padma Bhushan award. “I feel truly honoured and very grateful to the government for having thought of me for this honour. For the last 52 years, my fans have been listening to my songs and encouraging me and I thank them for this continued support,” she said. She has rendered songs spanning several languages across film industries, and has performed extensively in the country and across the world.
A bharatanatyam guru for over seven decades, legendary nattuvanar K. Kalyanasundaram Pillai has been selected for the Padma Shri award. “I humbly accept this honour and see it as an honour bestowed upon my family and a legacy spanning hundreds of years in this art,” he said.
He dedicated his award to guru Thanjavur P. Kuppiah Pillai, guru A.T. Govindraj Pillai, and guru T. K . Mahalingam Pillai. They all propagate the Thanjavur tradition of Bharatanatyam.
Vadivel Gopal and Masi Sadaiyan, expert snake catchers from the Irula community who have been honoured with the Padma Shri award, said: “Snake catching is something we learnt from our parents and has been passed on for generations. We take immense pride in this and this award honours this knowledge we have,” said Mr. Masi.
Through his career spanning three decades as a librarian in Thoothukudi, ‘Palam’ Kalyana Sundaram gave away all his earnings to charity and later went on to form the social welfare organisation ‘Palam’. Reacting to him being chosen for the Padma Shri award, Mr. Sundaram said that this would only motivate him to continue his service for the betterment of the people.
Recognised with the Padma Shri for his contribution in the field of medicine, Gopalsamy Veluchamy said: “I feel that this honour has been given for the Siddha System of medicine.” He is the former director of the Central Research Institute for Siddha and the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha.
Ranya Rao, caught smuggling gold at Kempegowda International Airport, claimed innocence, but agencies suspect syndicate involvement.
World Sleep Day: More than 26% of professionals said they are getting less than six hours of sleep in the night, a problem even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.
Samuel Browne's botanical explorations in 17th-century Madras offer insights into traditional plant uses and changing flora over time.
CPS Abolition Movement protests in Dindigul urging State government to implement old pension scheme promised by DMK.
Union Finance Minister criticizes removal of Indian currency symbol '₹' in Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 documents, citing national unity concerns.
State government provides ₹100 crore to KMRL for Kakkanad extension, speeding up construction and addressing funding issues.
ED joins probe into gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao, raids multiple locations in Bengaluru.
Bombay High Court questions Maharashtra government on failure to register FIR against police officers in custodial death case.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad faces backlash for suggesting those who have issues with Holi colours should leave the country.
Tamil Nadu sees improved Olive Ridley turtle nesting season with over 2.5 lakh eggs collected, efforts to protect marine life.
Speeding bus crash on Paramakudi-Madurai highway kills woman, injures 23; driver flees scene, causing critical injuries.
Transport Minister flags off private and KSRTC buses from Goshree islands to Kochi city, improving public transportation.
TSPSC clarifies Group-I Mains exam evaluation process, releases key statistics, and addresses misinformation, ensuring fairness and transparency.