Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Ustad Zakir Hussain, Renowned Percussionist Awarded India’s Second Highest Civilian Award


Sun 26 Mar 2023 | 12:05 PM
By Ahmad El-Assasy

President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards to 106 people on 22nd March 2023 in a ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, according to the Embassy of India in Cairo.

Padma Awards is India's second-highest civilian honor after the Bharat Ratna and is considered among the greatest civilian honors across the globe.

These awards are given by the Government of India every year to individuals in recognition of their extraordinary service in the fields of art, social work, public affairs, trade and industry, medicine, and science & engineering among others.

This year’s list celebrates the contributions of 19 women, who hail from different regions of India and from different walks of life. The list of awardees for this year have also shed some light on the social workers who have made valuable contribution in the upliftment of the indigenous and tribal communities across the nation.

Some of the prominent awardees include the following names:

Ustad Zakir Hussain is an Indian tabla player, composer, percussionist, music producer and film actor belonging to a renowned musical family.

Ustad Hussain’s music continue to mesmerize music lovers irrespective of geographical or cultural barriers. Widely considered a chief architect of the contemporary world music movement, Zakir Hussain’s contribution has been unique with many historic and groundbreaking collaborations. As a composer, he has scored music for numerous films, major events and productions.

Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla is an Indian billionaire businessman, philanthropist, Chartered Accountant and the chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, one of the largest global conglomerates in India.

Mr. M M Keeravaani is an Indian music composer, record producer, singer, and lyricist who predominantly works in Telugu cinema. In addition to the Padma Award, his other accolades include an Academy Award (Oscar Award for the song ‘Naatu Naatu’), a Golden Globe Award, a LAFCA Award, a Critics' Choice Movie Award, a National Film Award, eight Filmfare Awards and eleven Nandi Awards.

Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Zaz for Art. He is widely recognised for manufacturing handmade musical instruments like Sitaar, Rabab, Tawoos and Santoor.

Mr. Dilshad Hussain for Art. He is an eminent craftsman of metal wares from Moradabad and has also trained many artisans.

Mrs. Hirbaiben Ibrahimbhai Lobi for Social Work, a member of the Siddi community of Gujarat, is known for her works for the Siddi Community and empowerment of women in Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

Mrs. Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, a prominent artist of Baiga painting, she has brought recognition to the traditional work, philosophy and culture of Baiga Tribe.

Ms. Vani Jairam whose voice has touched and soothed millions.

Ms. Sudha Murty who is an educator, author and philanthropist.