NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, MAY 9
President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Vibhushan to Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali in the field of Art, Padma Bhushan to ‘Captain’ Vijayakant (Posthumous) in the field of Art, and Padma Shri to M. Badrappan, Joshna Chinappa and Dr. G. Natchiar in the field of Art, Sports and Medicine, respectively, from Tamil Nadu during Civil Investiture Ceremony in New Delhi on Thursday.
- Murmu also confers Padma Shri to M Badrappan, Joshna Chinappa and Dr G Natchiar in field of Art, Sports and Medicine respectively from Tamil Nadu during Civil Investiture Ceremony
Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali (Padma Vibhushan)
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Vibhushan in the field of Art to Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali. She is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and played leading roles in popular Hindi and Tamil movies. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honours. Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali has also… pic.twitter.com/HaPEUZbY4o
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 9, 2024
Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali’s name figures prominently in the ranks of those who have heralded the renaissance of Bharatanatyam over several decades.
Born on August 13, 1933 in South India, Dr. Vyjayantimala hails from a conservative family, but one of distinguished scholarship and one that has patronized the traditional and classical art of the Thanjavur style. Her talents surfaced early in life when she danced before the Pope at the age of 5 and earned his benedictions. She performed before many eminent statesmen and dignitaries and in many International Organizations.
Dr. Vyjayantimala was first Indian dancer to be invited to perform at the United Nations 20th Anniversary celebrations of the Human Rights day at the General Assembly in 1969. She has also had the honour of performing at the International Opera House – Sydney, the Royal Opera Rallst Festival-Stockholm, the Holland Festival- Rotterdam and the Autumn Festival-Paris.
Dr. Vyjayantimala has to her credit a number of dance-dramas conceived, directed and presented by her. ‘Andal Thiruppavai’ Gurudev Tagore’s ‘Chandalika’, Kavi Kunjara Bharati’s ‘Azhagar Kuravanji ‘Sant Sakhu’, ‘Ekta’ a multi-dimensional ballet which depicts the growth of the National Freedom Movement and ‘Om Santhi Santhi Santhi’ to convey the message of universal peace. Her attempt to present Sita Vislesha Thrayam from Valmiki Ramayana, Nava Vidha Rama Bhakthi from Valmiki Ramayanam, Kaisika Puranam from Varaha Puranam in dance and abhinaya form, has won much appreciation.
As Dr. Vyjayantimala shot into fame, the celluloid world drew her into its fold. Her very first film in Tamil AVM’S “Vazhkai” followed by Bahaar in Hindi, took cine-goers by storm. Within a decade of her film career, she emerged as the reigning queen, a super star of the film world. She played the most covetous leading roles in a series of popular Hindi films such as Nagin, New Delhi, Madhumati, Naya Daur, Ganga Jamuna, Sangam, Sadhana, Jewel Thief, Amrapali and Tamil films such as Thennilavu, Vanjikottai Valiban, Baghdad Thirudan and Parthiban Kanavu were some of the memorable hits.
For Dr.Vyjayantimala, politics became a means to serve her countrymen and she contested from the South Madras constituency and served two consecutive terms in the Lok Sabha in 1984 and 1989. The then President of India nominated her to the Rajya Sabha in 1993 for her contribution to the field of fine arts.
Dr. Vyjayantimala is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. She has been conferred Degree of Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) by Annamalai University, Chidambaram in 1995 for her contribution to Classical Art form of Bharatanatyam. The Government of India conferred on her “Padma Shri” in 1968. She has received four Film fare Awards for Best Actress in the year 1958, 1961, 1964 and 1996 (Life Time Achivement Award). The then hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Government of Tamil Nadu honored her with the State Artist Award in 1979. She is the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1982, Sangeet Natak Academy – Tagore Ratna Samman (Fellow) Award for Bharatanatyam in 2012 and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Pune International Flint Festival (PIFF), Pune in 2006. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award – Konark Dance and Music Festival, Konark, Odisha in 2014 and was awarded Natya Kalanidhi by ABHAI in 2014 for Bharatanatyam by preserving and promoting the art in India and abroad. In 2016, Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha, Mumbai awarded her the Dr.M.S.Subbulakshmi Centenary Award for her contribution to Bharatanatyam. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Government of Tamil Nadu honored her with Bala Saraswati Award in 2019. She received the title “SARASWATHI PURASKARAM” by C.P.Ramaswami Aiyer Foundation in 2019.
Captain Vijayakant (Posthumous) – Padma Bhushan
President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Bhushan in the field of Art upon Captain Vijayakant posthumously. He was an eminent actor of the Tamil film industry recognised for promoting patriotic values through his films. Shri Vijayakant was also known for his humanitarian efforts… pic.twitter.com/CdG0liPp1F
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 9, 2024
Shri Captain Vijayakant was an eminent actor of who is the Tamil Film Industry who is widely recognized in Tamil communities across the world for his role in promoting nationalism and patriotism amongst the Tamil film viewers by means of portraying several characters that reflect the same. He was also the Founder of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), a state-recognized political party based in Tamil Nadu.
Born on 25th August, 1952, Shri Vijayakant grew interest in cinema and displayed passion towards community and societal issues at a young age. He made his debut in the Tamil film industry in 1979 and went on to act in 154 movies till 2015. His first significant break happened with Sattam Oru Iruttarai in 1981, which went on to be remade in other languages such as Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.
Shri Vijayakant created a massive revolution in the Tamil film industry by acting in the 90’s, in several roles that promoted the patriotic and nationalistic values of the country and how the society should develop the same. This earned him the title “Puratchi Kalaignar” (Revolutionary Actor) amongst the masses. He played the role of a law enforcer, police officer or a village headin several films. His film, Captain Prabhakaran (1991) earned him the moniker ‘Captain’ amongst the masses of Tamil Nadu.
Shri Vijayakant was widely known for his humanitarian efforts towards impoverished families in the State of Tamil Nadu and supporting struggling actors in Tamil cinema. His strong stance towards ensuring the food equality on film sets for all members of the cast & crew, revolutionized working standards in the Tamil film industry for years to come. As the President of the South Indian Artistes’ Association, he transformed a heavily debt-ridden organization into a charitable association by conducting cultural shows and collecting the same to settle loans of the association. He used the remaining proceeds of such events in transforming the lives of artists in the Tamil film industry by ensuring several benefits and pension to low-income artistes. He was also known for his humanitarian contributions beyond the state of Tamil Nadu during the Kargil War, 2001 Gujarat Earthquake, 1999 Odisha Cyclones and the 2009 Andhra Pradesh Floods. His overwhelming contributions to art, social service and public affairs has made him an irreplaceable figure in the hearts of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Shri Vijayakant received numerous awards and honours including two Filmfare Awards South and three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. He received Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor in 1988 for his performance in Senthoora Poove and his outstanding portrayal in Thayagam earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize in 1996. He was also awarded with the Best Citizen Award in 2001 and the Bharat Shiromani Award for his humanitarian contributions across the nation. He was listed in the “Top 10 Legends of Tamil Cinema” announced by Film fare in 2009.He received the prestigious Kalaimamani Award, the highest civilian honor in Tamil Nadu in 2001 and two Cinema Express Awards. In 2011, he was bestowed with the Honourary Doctorate from the International Institute of Church Management.
Shri Vijayakant passed away on 28 December, 2023.
M Badrappan (Padma Shri)
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri in the field of Art to Shri M. Badrappan. He is a master of the Valli Oyil Kummi folk dance with a career spanning over five decades. Shri Badrappan has been imparting training to others in this folk art. He has also been raising… pic.twitter.com/JQiJp27UPQ
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 9, 2024
Shri M. Badrappan is the master of the Valli Oyil Kummi folk dance.
Born on April 16,1936, Shri Badrappan studied upto 10th standard and lived as a small farmer. He learned Arichandra Kummi from Master Shri Thottanagowder in 1959. Since 1962, he has been working with Shri Tirumappa Gowder, the Master of Valli Oyil Kummi. In 1992, he formed a team under his leadership. He has been working in folk arts for 52 years. He has been training Valli Oyil Kummi to around 100 boys and girls for the last 20 years in his village Dasanur in Government Middle school. In beginning stage, only men participated in folk art, now women are also participating. He has added the history of great Tamil poet Bhatathiyar, social concepts, method of life, environmental awareness, natural agriculture and health and infectious diseases through Valli Oyil Kummi.
Shri Badrappan conducts Valli Oyil Kummi in festivals in villages and cities, schools, colleges, universities, centers, organizations and associations. So far, he has conducted around 300 events. He is participating in social media like radio, television, YouTube and through short films to encourage and protect Valli Oyil Kummi and other folk arts.
Shri Badrappan has been performing at Coimbatore Radio for 24 years. He has conducted Valli Oyil Kummi programs three times on Coimbatore Pothigai TV, Bharatiar University, Coimbatore, Avinasilingam University and Kongunadu College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Thanjavur Southern Cultural Center helped him for two years 2015 and 2016 to implement the Guru Sishya Paramparai project. He has implemented that plan in a great way. He participated in the Salangainatham program organized by Thanjavur Southern Cultural Centerin the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 and gave a great contribution.
Shri Badrappan has received many awards. The South Zone Cultural Centre Tanjore, Zonal Cultural Centre Salem, District Art Centre, Coimbatore honored him with Kalai Muthumani Award in 2002.The Tamil Nadu Government honored him with Kalaimamani Awardin 2019 appreciating his continuous service in folk art.
Joshna Chinappa – Padma Shri
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri in the field of Sports to Ms. Joshna Chinappa. She is an accomplished Squash player who has brought laurels to the country by winning medals in international tournaments. She, along with her teammate, won India's first gold medal ever… pic.twitter.com/dlEDbK7Ed0
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 9, 2024
Joshna Chinappa, is an international Squash player, who has blazed a trail in Indian Squash by winning national and international squash tournaments.
Born on 15thSeptember, 1986 in Chennai, Ms. Joshna hails from the Kodava community in Coorg. She is the great grand niece of Field Marshal Shri K M Cariappa. Her schooling was in Chennai and she graduated from Ethiraj College for Women – Chennai, in B.A. Literature. At age of 9 years, she was introduced to Squash by her father Shri Anjan Chinappa, who mentored and coached her for 15 years.She won her first Senior National Squash Championship at the tender age of 14, with a record 19 National titles, she dominated Indian Squash for 20 years.
After a successful junior career, Ms. Joshna won international tournaments and become the first Indian Asian Junior Champion in 2003. In 2005, she became the first Indian to win a Silver Medal at the World Individual Junior Championships in Belgium, and also the first Indian to win the prestigious British Open Junior Championship. Her pursuit of excellence in Squash continued, as she joined the professional tour. Her exploits on the tour led her in 2016, to reach her highest world ranking of No.10. An ACL injury in 2011, which kept her away from Squash for almost a year, did not dampen her passion for her sport. She returned stronger, winning the Chennai Open, and Penang Open in 2012, and was instrumental in India winning the gold medal at the Asian Team Championships – 2012, in Kuwait.
Representing India, Ms. Joshna has brought laurels for the country by winning Gold medals in SAF GAMES in 2006, and in 2016. In 2014, she along with her team mate Ms. Dipika Pallikal created history, by winning the first Gold medal, ever, for Squash, in Ladies Doubles at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In 2018, she won the Silver medal in the Ladies Doubles event in the Commonwealth Games – Gold Coast. In the Asian Games 2018 at Jakarta, she won a Silver medal in Team event, and a Bronze medal in the Individual event. In 2017, she became the first Indian Squash player to become the Asian Squash Champion, and in 2019 successfully defended her title. She continued to bring glory for the country by winning the World Doubles Championships in 2022. In the Asian Games 2023, she won a Bronze medal in the Team event. Her victories on the Squash arena have greatly helped popularize the sport.
In 2005, Ms. Joshna was appointed Goodwill Ambassador of the “Save The Girl Child” campaign by The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. In recognition of her achievements in Squash, she was given the & Arjuna Award& by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, in August 2013. She has also received Sports Icon Award from Rotary International District 3230, in 2010. She has been honoured and felicitated by Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu. She has also been honoured by various clubs like Madras Cricket Club, CCI – Mumbai, and by Ethiraj College for Women.
Dr. G. Natchiar – Padma Shri
President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Shri in the field of Medicine to Dr. G. Natchiar. She is an eminent ophthalmologist working with a vision to eliminate needless blindness by providing quality, compassionate, and affordable eye care to all. She has also been empowering young… pic.twitter.com/qXlblAYZNG
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 9, 2024
Dr. G. Natchiar, is an eminent ophthalmologist. She is the Director Emeritus, Human Resource Department and Vice Chairman Emeritus of Aravind Eye Hospitals & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai.
Born on 15th September, 1940, Dr. Natchiar graduated from Madras University in 1962 and earned her Master’s in Ophthalmology from Madurai Medical College in 1969. She further specialised in Ocular Pathology at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and completed a Non-Clinical Fellowship at Boston, and Harvard Medical University, Massachusetts. She began her career as an Assistant Professor at Madurai Medical College. She is a founding member of the GOVEL Trust, which runs Aravind Eye Hospitals, and the Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology. The Aravind Eye Hospital was established in 1976 with the primary mission to eliminate needless blindness by providing high-quality, compassionate, and affordable eye care to all. Since inception, she played several significant roles to further the organisation’s journey towards its mission.
From quite early on Dr. Natchiar took responsibility for the Mid-Level Ophthalmic Personnel (MLOP) programme at Aravind and over the years, she played a crucial role in its development. Her passion lies in empowering young women from rural backgrounds, by providing training, and transforming them into world-class mid-level eye care professionals. She played a key role in launching the much-needed microsurgical training programme, first of its kind and personally trained over two thousand ophthalmologists from India and other developing nations. In addition to heading the Neuro-ophthalmology and Cataract departments, she also coordinated the community outreach programme, which is the cornerstone of Aravind’s high-volume work. Today, Aravind Eye Care System renders services through its wide network of 14 eye hospitals, 112 telemedicine-assisted village vision centres, seven community eye clinics, a manufacturing centre for ophthalmic products (Aurolab), Aravind Medical Research Foundation (AMRF) and a consultancy and training institute for community eye care (LAICO).After retiring from active clinical services in 2011, Dr. Natchiar continues to work full time – devoting 50% of her time to organic farming at Aurofarm, and the remaining 50% to further growing Aravind Eye Care System.
During Dr. Natchiar’s long career of over 50 years, she held several memberships and positions at professional bodies, including President of Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association, Syndicate member of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Member of Gandhigram Trust, and many more. She was also the consulting editor for the journal of the Neurological Society of India for neuro-ophthalmology, and Managing Editor in Kannoli – Aravind’s journal to create eye care awareness among its patients.Recognising the paucity of academic text books relevant to developing economies, she authored several books, including Visual Field Defects in Intracranial Tumours (1980), Anatomy of the Eye(1986), Neuro-Ophthalmology – A Manual for Postgraduates (1995), and contributed chapters for around 16 books related to Ophthalmology. She brought out a series of manuals for the Allied Ophthalmic Personnel, again a first of its kind. She has published over 55 papers in national and international journals, delivered many prestigious orations, and participated in several international and national conferences.
Dr. Natchiar’s has been honoured with several awards including the Rotary Humanitarian Service Award presented by the Chidambaram Mid- Town Rotary Club on February 21, 1999; Doctors Day award from the Indian Medical Association, Madras, Tamil Nadu State Branch, on July 15, 2001. Life-Time Achievement Award bestowed upon her during the 57th Annual Conference of TNOA at Coimbatore in August 2009; Doctor of Science award from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai in 2010; Lifetime Achievement Award by the Centre for Sight, I Focus 2018, New Delhi.
