State quartet among 119 Padma awardees
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 08 2021: Manipur's folk singer guru Rewben Mashangva, designer Hanjabam Radhe Devi, boxer MC Mary Kom and footballer Oinam Bembem were among 15 from the north-eastern states and total of 119 froni across the country and abroad who were presented the prestigious Padma awards by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday in recognition of their contribution in various fields.

Of the 119 awards for this year, seven are recipients of Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan and 102 Padma Shri.

They include 29 women, 16 posthumous awardees and one transgender awardee.

Rewben Mashangva is known for reviving the musical tradition of Tangkhul tribe, and the use of traditional musical instruments, while Radhe Devi is a 'Potloi Setpi', or traditional bridal wear designer.

Oinam Bembem and MC Mary Kom were presented the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour, and Padma Vibhushan respectively for their contributions to the held of sports during the awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The official Twitter handle of the President of India tweeted, "President Kovind presents Padma Shri to Ms Oinam Bembem Devi for sports.

She is the former captain of the Indian women football team and is also known as 'Durga of Indian football'" .

Congratulating on receiving the prestigious award, Chief Minister N Biren Singh also tweeted.

"Congratulations to Oinam Bembem Devi, the Durga of Indian Football, on receiving the Padma Shri Award.

It is truly a moment of pride for all of us in Manipur.

May you continue to inspire the young girls and boys to pursue their dreams," Biren added.

The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 and are awarded to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service and public affairs.

The Padma awards are given in three categories - Padma Vlbhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri - and announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.

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