President Kovind to confer Padma awardees on March 11

Fifty-six of the 112 "inspiring" personalities, who were selected for this year's Padma awards, will be conferred the prestigious honour on Monday, March 11 by President Ram Nath Kovind at a special function in Rashtrapati Bhavan, officials said.

Among those receiving the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri on Monday are late actor Kader Khan, Akali Dal leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and renowned journalist late Kuldip Nayar.

Khan (posthumous) will be honoured with Padma Shri, Dhindsa and Nayar (posthumous) will be honoured with Padma Bhushan, a Home Ministry official said.

READ: 'Will Return Padma Bhushan If Centre Doesn't Fulfill Promises', Says Anna Hazare On Indefinite Hunger Strike

Noted theatre personality from Maharashtra Babasaheb Purandare alias Balwant Moreshwar Purandare (Padma Vibhushan), Bihar leader Hukumdev Narayan Yadav (Padma Bhushan), former CEO of multinational techno giant Cisco systems John Chambers, renowned dancer and filmmaker PrabhuDeva (Padma Shri) will also be honoured.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries are expected to attend the function. The Padma awards were announced on the eve of Republic Day and the remaining awardees are likely to be conferred the honour at another function to be held on March 16.

This year's awardees are from across the nation, all segments of society and the government has gone beyond excellence alone, recognising the larger impact and their selfless service, the official said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will also have an interactive session with the Padma awardees and their families Sunday.