Five Jammu and Kashmir residents including a politician, social worker, two educationists and an artist have received the prestigious Padma awards of 2020 and 2021 from the President of India on Monday.
As per details available with The Kashmir Magazine those who have been awarded Padma Awards 2020 include senior leader and former chief minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, educationists, Shiv Datt Nirmohi, social worker, Javid Ahmad Tak.
Meanwhile, Artist Ghulam Rasool Khan and educationist Chaman Lal Sapru have received the Padma Awards for the year 2021. Chaman Lal Sapru has been awarded the Padma Shri Posthumously.
Baig has been awarded the Padma Bhushan award for his contributions in politics and public work, while Shiv Datt, Khan, Tak and Sapru have been awarded Padma Shri awards in literature and education, art and social work respectively.
Meanwhile, Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha congratulated all three Padma Awardees from the Union Territory.
“Heartiest congratulations to all Padma awardees from UT of J&K. A proud moment for the people of J&K,” office of LG J&K Tweeted.
In another Tweet, office of LG J&K said: “Many congratulations to Shri Ghulam Rasool Khan and the family of Shri Chaman Lal Sapru(Posthumously) from UT of J&K for receiving the prestigious Padma Shri awards 2021. Their achievements and exemplary service to the nation will inspire and motivate generations.”
Accept Padma Bhushan Award with humility: Muzaffar Baig
Senior leader and former deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffar Hussain Baig on Monday said that he accepts the award of Padma Bhushan with humility on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Baig said that he is highly grateful to the selection committee and the President of India, who is the final authority to decide about the award.
“I am very grateful to the selection committee and the President of India who taught that my political career and contributions should get recognition,” he said.
Beigh said that he accepts this award with humility on behalf of the people of Kashmir and Jammu.
On being asked about his contribution in Jammu and Kashmir in the future, he said that it would be pre-mature to say anything as nobody can knows about the future as everything is in the hands of Almighty.
Notably, Muzaffar Hussain Baig was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind on Monday for public affairs.
“President Kovind presents Padma Bhushan to Shri Muzaffar Hussain Baig for Public Affairs. He is an eminent political leader from Jammu & Kashmir,” the President of India Tweeted.