Music composer Ilaiyaraaja honoured with Padma Vibhushan ahead of Republic Day

On Thursday, the Centre announced the list of Pdma awardees for this year. Ace music composer Ilaiyaraaja has been conferred upon the honour of the Padma Vibhushan award. 

Here's what Ilaiyaraaja said on getting the Padma Vibhushan - 

"Padma Vibhushan Award being conferred on me is an indication of PM Modi led government's respect to Tamil people and Tamil Nadu."

On the eve of Republic Day, the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards are announed every year. The awards are given to stalwarts in the fields of social work, art, literature and education, sports, public affairs, science and engineering etc. 

Reportedly, for the Padma awards 2018, more than 15, 700 applications had been received. An official informed PTI that more stress was given to honour the unsung heroes by the government. 

The Padma Awards Committee takes the final decision after going through the nominations every year. The committee is constituted by the prime minister. The number of Padma awardees last year was 89. 

Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has also been awarded with Padma Bhushan. 

(With agency inputs)