The central government has conferred India's second-highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan to former vice president Venkaiah Naidu, actors Vyjayantimala Bali and Konidela Chiranjeevi, social worker Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumous) and Bharat Natyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam.
Apart from Pathak, known for bringing in the revolutionary Sulabh public toilet system, all the Padma Vibhushan awardees are from southern states.
Ms. Vyjayantimala Bali from Tamil Nadu is honored for her contributions to the field of Art.
Shri Konidela Chiranjeevi from Andhra Pradesh is recognized for his significant achievements in the domain of Art.
Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, also from Andhra Pradesh, is acknowledged for his impactful work in Public Affairs.
Shri Bindeshwar Pathak, hailing from Bihar, is celebrated for his remarkable contributions to Social Work.
Ms. Padma Subrahmanyam from Tamil Nadu is honored for her exceptional contributions to the field of Art.