New Delhi: In a major recognition of distinguished service to the nation, former Kerala Chief Minister and late senior CPI(M) leader V.S. Achuthanandan has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. The honour has been announced posthumously in appreciation of his enduring contributions to public life, social justice, and politics. Retired Supreme Court judge Justice K.T. Thomas has also been selected for the Padma Vibhushan.
The prestigious Padma Bhushan has been awarded to legendary Malayalam actor Mammootty, SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan, and P. Narayanan, founder editor of Janmabhoomi daily, recognising their significant contributions in cinema, social service, and journalism respectively.
In the Padma Shri category, acclaimed classical dancer Kalamandalam Vimala Menon has been honoured for her lifelong dedication to the arts.
Meanwhile, 92-year-old environmental activist Devaki Amma from Muthukulam in Alappuzha district has also been awarded the Padma Shri for her remarkable contribution to environmental conservation. Through her afforestation efforts, she has nurtured and preserved nearly 3,000 rare medicinal plant species, earning her national recognition for grassroots environmental stewardship.
