Sun Jan 26 00:47:42 IST 2025: ## Karnataka Celebrates Republic Day with Padma Awards for its Luminaries

**Bengaluru, January 26, 2025** – Karnataka basked in the glory of Republic Day as nine of its distinguished citizens were awarded prestigious Padma awards. Veteran actor Anant Nag and journalist A. Surya Prakash were conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour.

Mr. Nag, known for his diverse roles spanning over 300 films in various languages, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating that the award was a testament to the public’s appreciation. He attributed the honour to the support of fans and industry members who had recommended him for the award.

Also receiving the Padma Bhushan was L. Subramaniam, a renowned violinist, musician, and composer residing in Bengaluru, known for his contributions to both Carnatic classical and fusion music. Mr. Surya Prakash, a veteran of print and electronic media with over 50 years of experience, was recognised for his significant contributions to constitutional and parliamentary studies.

Adding to Karnataka’s accolades, Ricky Kej, a Bengaluru-based three-time Grammy-winning music composer, received the Padma Shri. His recent Grammy win for “Divine Tides” cemented his place as the only Indian to achieve this feat three times. Other Padma Shri recipients included Hassan Raghu, an expert in folk and traditional martial arts; Prashanth Prakash, recognised for his contribution to India’s startup ecosystem; and three individuals from North Karnataka: oncologist Vijayalaxmi Deshamane, shadow puppet artist Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, and folk artist Venkappa Ambaji Sugathekar. These awardees represent a diverse spectrum of fields, from the arts and technology to healthcare and traditional crafts, highlighting Karnataka’s rich talent pool.

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