Kerala shines in Padma glory: Padma Vibhushan for VS, Padma Bhushan for Mammootty, Vellappally

Kerala is in the glitter of the Padma Awards, announced on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. The southern state shines brightly with several of its prominent personalities receiving the prestigious honours, recognising their contributions in various fields.

The late former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, former Supreme Court Justice KT Thomas, and founding editor of Janmabhoomi newspaper P Narayanan have been awarded the country’s second-highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan. VS Achuthanandan is awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously.

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Noted Malayalam actor Mammootty and SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan have received the Padma Bhushan. Kalamandalam Vimala Menon and Kollakkal Devakiyamma have been awarded the Padma Shri award.

Devaki Amma, a native of Muthukulam, Alappuzha, was given the award in consideration of her environmental protection activities. Devaki Amma, who carried out afforestation activities, had protected about 3,000 rare medicinal plants.

Kerala got eight total awards, more than the five it got last year. Three out of the five Padma Vibhushan awards have gone to people from the state.

Malayalam superstar Mammootty expressed happiness at being conferred with the Padma Bhushan. He said that he was “very happy” on hearing the news and that there was “nothing greater than the country honouring him with Padma Bhushan”.