Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, and George Fernandes, in that order. President Ram Nath Kovind presented the awards to Sangeeta Jaitley, Bansuri Swaraj, and Leila Kabir in that order.
Former Union ministers Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, and George Fernandes were all awarded the Padma Vibhushan today.
It was the second-highest civilian prize for public affairs, and it was awarded to two BJP stalwarts and a fiery trade unionist. All three of these leaders died in the year 2019.
President Ram Nath Kovind presented the awards to Sangeeta Jaitley, Bansuri Swaraj, and Leila Kabir Fernandes in that order.
Mr. Jaitley was described as a seasoned political leader and lawyer who played a key role in the implementation of significant economic reforms across the country during his tenure as Union Finance Minister. External Affairs has been renamed the “people’s ministry” under Sushma Swaraj’s leadership and the “experienced public leader, trade unionist, and socialist” under Fernando Fernandes’ leadership.
Last year, seven Padma Vibhushan awards were given out. Former Mauritius President Aneriod Jugnauth, Indian classical singer Chhannulal Mishra, famed fighter and MP M C Mary Kom, and Sri Vishvesha Teertha (posthumous), the head of the Udupi Sri Pejavara Adhokhaja Matha in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, were among those honoured.
Padma Bhushan was another award given out last year, with 16 recipients and another 118 recipients receiving the honour.
