On the evening of 25 January, before Republic Day, the Home Ministry announced this year’s Padma Awards. In this list, seven people including Bihar’s famous late folk singer Sharda Sinha, late Japanese trader Osamu Suzuki and India’s first Sikh Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar were awarded the Padma Vibhushan. At the same time, 19 including Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar were given Padma Bhushan and 113 were given Padma Shri awards.
Ajit Kumar has thanked the country’s President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being awarded the Padma Bhushan. He posted on Instagram and wrote – ‘I feel very humbled and honored to receive the Padma Award from the President of India. I heartily thank the Honorable President of India Mrs. Draupadi Murmu and the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this prestigious honor.’
Ajith thanked friends and seniors
Ajith Kumar further wrote- ‘It is a privilege to be recognized at this level and I am grateful for this generous acknowledgement of my contribution to our nation. At the same time, I also keep in mind that this honor is not just for me, but is a testimony to the collective efforts and support of many people. I would like to thank my distinguished seniors, colleagues and members of the film industry including untold others. Your inspiration, cooperation and support have been important in my journey, which includes pursuing my passion in other fields as well.’
‘Your love and support is a source of support and strength…’
The actor further writes- ‘I am also grateful for the support of the motor racing fraternity and the sports pistol and rifle shooting community over the years. I thank the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), National Rifle Association of India and Chennai Rifle Club for their encouragement. My family and friends, your love and support have been both a source of support and strength.’
‘This award is as much yours as it is mine’
Ajith Kumar remembered his father at the end of the post. He wrote- ‘I wish my late father was alive to see this day. Still, I think he would be proud that his spirit and legacy lives on in everything I do. Ajith also thanked his mother and wife. He told the fans- ‘This award is as much yours as it is mine.’
