New Delhi, Jan 25: As India celebrates its 68th Republic Day tomorrow, the highest civilian awards of the country, Padma awards, have been announced today on the same occasion. Padma honours that are conferred in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri are given in various disciplines and field of activities like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering to Indians and sometimes to foreigners as well. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.

This year, the Padma awards list features 89 names and one among them is Anuradha Koirala. The 67-year-old Nepali social worker who has been rescuing Nepali women from the brothels in India and giving them new lives through her organization, Matiti Nepal, will be honoured with Padma Shri award. Some of her other major international awards so far include the Courage of Conscience Award from The Peace Abbey in Massachusetts in 2006; the CNN Hero of the Year award in 2010 and the Mother Teresa Award in 2014.

Koirala will be receiving the award from the president of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi in March/April this year. Cricketer Virat Kohli, wrestler Sakshi Malik, Gymnast Dipa Karmakar, singers Kailash Kher and Anuradha Poudel among others too will be receiving the awards along with her.

The list that comprises of 7 Padma Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan and 75 Padma Shri awardees is the shortest list in years.

Here’s the complete list of the Padma awardees.

Cover Picture: alchetron