The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Vibhushan to Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, from Karnatka, in the field of Art during the Civil Investiture Ceremony today. The President of India also conferred Padma Bhushan to Dr. Arkalgud Anantaramaiah Surya Prakash and Padma Shri to Dr. Hassan Raghu, Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shilliekyatara and Dr. Deshmane Vijayalaxmi. Shri Surya Prakash was awarded in the field of Literature and Education, whereas Dr. Hassan Raghu and Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shilliekyatara were awarded in the field of Art and Dr. Deshmane Vijayalaxmi in the field of Medicine

Brief citation about the life and work of the awardees are given below:

Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam

Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam is a Global violin icon.

Born on 23^rd July, 1947, Dr. Subramaniam began his performing career at the age of six and has since become the face of the Indian violin on the global scene. A maestro of the Carnatic classical tradition, he has also made significant contributions to Western classical music and is the creator of the global fusion concept, and did the first North South jugalbandi (with the legendary Ustad Ali Akbar Khan). He was the first artist to compose and arrange for, perform with and conduct major western orchestras. He has been instrumental in bringing the violin to the forefront of Indian classical music while simultaneously pushing musical boundaries worldwide, to fulfil the vision of his father and guru Prof V. Lakshminarayana.

With his technical brilliance and innovative approach, Dr. Subramaniam became a cultural ambassador, representing Indian classical music on world stages like the Royal Albert Hall in London, Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center in New York, the Sydney Opera House, and the Bolshoi Theatre and the Tchaikovsky Hall. He was the first Indian musician to perform in several countries, including Japan, Madagascar and Iceland.

The groundbreaking performances of Dr. Subramaniam introduced global audiences to the depth and intricacy of Indian violin playing. Over his illustrious career, he has collaborated with legendary artists like Yehudi Menuhin, Stephane Grappelli, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau and Herbie Hancock, among others, further cementing his reputation as a global musical icon.  He has also collaborated with Indian legends like Pt Ravi Shankar, Maestro Zubin Mehta, and Ustad Bismillah Khan. His compositions have been performed by renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchstra, London Philharmonic, the Swiss Romande Orchestra, and many others. He has also composed the music for films like Salaam Bombay, Mississippi Masala and others.

In addition to his contributions as a performer and composer, Dr. Subramaniam has made significant strides in music education and cultural promotion. He founded the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (LGMF), which brings together legendary musicians from around the world and has been organised in over 25 countries over the past three decades. He also established the Lakshminarayana Global Centre of Excellence (LGCE) for advanced musical training and the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SaPa) to nurture young musical talent.

Dr. Subramaniam's contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. He was given the Violin Chakravarthy title by the Governor of Madras in 1972.  He has been hailed as the “GOD of Indian Violin” by the Times of India, and “The best this listener has heard” by the New York Times. He has been honoured with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India for his contributions to music. Additionally, he has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and honorary doctorates from various institutions.

 

Dr. Arkalgud Anantaramaiah Surya Prakash

Dr. Arkalgud Anantaramaiah Surya Prakash is an eminent scholar and a distinguished media professional, whose work has enriched India's democratic and parliamentary landscape. With over five decades of experience in print and electronic media, he has held prestigious positions including that of Chairman, Prasar Bharati, India's public service broadcaster and Vice-Chairman, Executive Council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library.

Born on 9^th February, 1950, Dr. Surya Prakash received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bangalore University, M.A in Sociology (Mysore University), D.Litt (Tumkur University) for his thesis on the working of India's Parliament and L.L.B (Chaudhary Charan Singh University). His deep insights into constitutional and parliamentary affairs have shaped national discourse, influenced significant reforms and strengthened the democratic ethos of the country. His advocacy for greater functional efficiency of democratic bodies and transparency in governance led to the introduction in 1993 of the department-related standing committee system in Parliament and the televising of parliamentary proceedings, bringing greater accountability to the legislative process.

A prolific writer, Shri Surya Prakash authored What Ails Indian Parliament, in 1995, which is regarded as a seminal work on the functioning of parliament and on how Indian MPs cope with their duties within the two Houses while facing immense constituency pressures. In 2013, he decided to examine the working of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) in his much-acclaimed book Public Money, Private Agenda – The Use and Abuse of MPLADS. His conclusions led to a national discourse on the efficacy of MPLADS. In 2017, his book The Emergency - Indian Democracy's Darkest Hour, highlighted the dreadful fallout of the Emergency. He has also contributed a chapter titled Need to Regulate the Working of Political Parties in G.C. Malhotra (Ed.), Fifty Years of Indian Parliament, Lok Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi, 2002.These authoritative texts, which constitute critical audit of democratic institutions, have considerably enriched available literature in the area of democracy studies in India.

In recent years, Dr. Surya Prakash has turned his attention to the constitutions of various countries around the globe, resulting in a path breaking thesis on the features that ought to be there in the constitutions of nations which claim to be democracies. His meticulous research has cleared misconceptions about India's democratic framework, highlighting the unparalleled rights and freedoms enshrined in the Indian Constitution. This thesis was published by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), New Delhi. Dr. Surya Prakash has tirelessly defended India's democratic principles on global platforms including the Global Conference for Media Freedom in London in July, 2019.

During his career spanning over half a century, Dr. Surya Prakash has held key responsibilities in media which include Chief of Bureau, The Indian Express, New Delhi; Political Editor, Eenadu Group, New Delhi; India Editor, Asia Times; Executive Editor, The Pioneer; and Editor, Zee News. Beyond journalism and academia, Dr. Surya Prakash has been instrumental in shaping policy discussions. As Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library, his pivotal role in curating the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya underscores his commitment to preserving and strengthening independent India's democratic legacy. He was also Chairman of the committee on merger of LSTV & RSTV & creation of Sansad TV.

Dr. Surya Prakash's expertise and leadership have been recognized with prestigious awards and honours. They include the fellowship from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Germany in 1995 which enabled him to study the working of the Bundestag Committees, the Bipin Chandra Pal Samman for Fearless Journalism in 2002, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2010 and the award of D.Litt (Honoris Causa) by the SGT University, Haryana in February, 2025.

Dr. Hassan Raghu

 

Dr. Hassan Raghu is the founder and director of Centre for indigenous Folk Martial Arts, Ramanagara, Karnataka. His contribution as a Master (Guru) of indigenous martial arts in India is commendable.

Born on 18^th January, 1954 Dr. Raghu, is an Ex-Defense Personal in the Indian Artillery Division and was awarded with Sangram Medal (Indo-Pak War 1971). He was a Physical Instructor at ASPT-Pune and gymnastic Instructor from NS NIS South. He started his career as stuntman in the year 1978 and became action Director/Stunt master in the year 1980. He established stunt institute to trained unemployed youths to provide job opportunities as stunt artist in Film and TV theater and stage performance. He trained more than 10 thousand artists and more than 300 masters in the India and also overall contribution in the field of Art more than thousands of Artists working make their life in Film and Television industry, Theaters and Stage performance. He worked in morethan 150 movies South Indian films. In 1986 he received Best Action Award for Kannada film ’Accident' from Govt. of Karnataka. In 2009 he was member of Jury for the feature film section of Indian Panaroma- 2009.He is also a Board member for state cine workers Welfare Fund Committee, Govt. of India; Founder Secretary, All Karnataka Cine Stunt Directors and Association, Founder Vice President Karnataka Film Workers, Founder General Secretary for Karnataka Film andTV Technicians.

Dr. Raghu is associated with many organisations. He is founder of Karnataka Sahasa Kala Academy, Sahasa Kala Shikshana Kendra, Janapada Guru Kula and Adventurous Sports Hostel, Ramanagara, Karnataka, Rashtriya Shouryakla Mahavidhalya, Research & Development centre for indigenous Martial Arts and rural games andAncient Marshal Arts study centre, which is first of its kind in India.

Dr. Raghu is Visiting Faculty for National School of Drama, New Delhi, Bangalore& Varanasi Kendra since 1994. He has organized Akhila Bharath Shourya Kala Mahothsava-ShouryaParva,since 2011, which has completed 14 National Festivals and Akhila Bharatha Loka Kala and Adhivasi Kala Festival from 2018, 2019 & 2020, which was conducted all over India in about 18 states.He is the Founder General Secretary for All India Folk & Tribal Art Parishath, New Delhi for the welfare of the Folk and Tribal Artist in the country.

Dr. Raghu is Member of Expert Committee for folk and indigenous art of Ministry of Culture, Government of India and CFPGS committee member from 2010-2017, Senior Fellowship for Indian Traditional Fight Arts in theatre from Sangeeth Nataka Academy, Govt. of India, Research Project Director for safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage and diverse cultural traditions of lndia from ICH, SNA, New Delhi. He served as member in Karnataka Janapada Academy, Govt.of Karnataka and Syndicate member for Karnataka Folklore University, two terms Chairman for Board of Studies for indigenous Martial Art, Chairman of Studies for Gurushishya Parampara scheme, Chairman for Board of studies for skill development programs in folklore studies, member of rural youth services and traditional games.

Dr. Raghu was honoured with Karnataka Rajyothsava award from Karnataka Govt. in 2017 and Janapada Lokasri award 2018 by Karnataka Janapada Parishath. He was awarded Honorary Doctorate from Karnataka Folklore University, Haveri, Government of Karnataka for the year 2024.

Dr. Deshmane Vijayalaxmi

Dr.  Deshmane Vijayalaxmi is a famous oncology surgeon, who is known for her contribution in the Research activity of Breast Cancer. She is Chairperson of BOG (Board of Governors) of IIIT Kottayam, Kerala[2023] and the Chairperson of BOG of IIITDM Kurnool, Andra Pradesh  (Additional Charge)2024. She also Severed as Member of BOG of NIPER (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research) 2016.

Born on 10^th April 1955 in a Slum at Kalaburagi a highly backward district in Karnataka State,Dr. Vijayalaxmi belongs to Scheduled caste [Madiga] Community. Her mother was Fruits and Vegetables seller and her father was Freedom Fighter from Kalaburagi. She received her MBBS from Karanataka medical college Hubli (1980). She was the First Lady MS student at government Medical College Bellary and completed her MS in General Surgery from Government Medical College Bellary [1985].She received Fellowship in Surgical Oncology from the Association of Surgeons of India [1993]. She received Oncology training at TATA Memorial Hospital Mumbai. She was honoured as the woman of the year by the American Biographical Institute [1999].

Dr. Vijayalaxmi has served for 3 decades in the Department of Surgical Oncology at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology Bangalore. She joined there as a First lady Senior Resident and as as First lady Faculty in the Department of Surgical Oncology and retired from the service as Professor and Head of Department of Surgical Oncology in 2015.She also served as Director (In-charge) of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, a premier Institute. She trained the senior Residents, MS students from different Medical Colleges, Mch [Surgical Oncology] students. She has conducted Global Breast Cancer Research projects as Principle Investigator at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru. She was appointed as Inspector of Medical Council of India. As the Principal Investigator,she conducted Global Breast Cancer project and the Report was published in the International Cancer Journal. She presented Cancer Research papers at various conferences and seminars in the country and abroad. She has addressed the convocations at Karnataka medical Collage, Bangalore medical College and SNDT University Mumbai.

Dr. Vijayalaxmi is a known Philanthropist. From the pension benefits she has built Shri Krishna Mandir at Banashankri Bangalore and she has planned to start the Goshala at Hubli.  She has served as President of Karnataka Cancer Society. The Life story of Dr. Deshmane was published in the World Journal of Surgary.The Family Film of Dr. Deshmane ‘Matangi Deevatige’ was produced and screened in the International Film Festival at Bangalore 2022. ‘Matangi Deevatige’ was honoured as Best Feature Film and received Dadasaheb Phalke Achievers Award [2024].

Dr. Vijayalaxmi has received many awards. For her exceptional contribution in the Research activity of Breast Cancer, she received the Award in the Oncology Summit held at Thailand [2011]. She received Hon.Doctorate: Doctor of Science in recognition of her service in the field of Surgical Oncology from KarnatakaMahila University, Bijapur[2013].The Government of Karnataka has bestowed upon her Rajyostava Award in recognition of her services in the field of Surgical Oncology (2004).

Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shilliekyatara

Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shilliekyatara is an international puppet artist of Moranahalli village, Koppal taluk, Koppal district. She belongs to a Scheduled Caste Nomadic Tribe and has made puppetry as a clan craft and has made significant achievements in art.

Born on 1^st June, 1929, Smt. Shilliekyatara gained international fame in puppetry. She has performed leather puppetry in many countries including America, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Saudi Arabia, Paris, Tayron and Dubai. She has been appreciated by foreigners and has given significant contribution by performing leather puppetry in thousands of cultural programs of Karnataka Government.  She has been performing leather puppetry for seven decades and preserving the art culture heritage of Karnataka. She has performed 18 Parvas of Mahabharata including the most legendary story Ramayana, Mahabharata, Virata Parva, Kurukshetra, Lavakusa Kalaga, Daupadi Vastrabarana, Adiparva, Sarpaparva and the current events through puppetry. She is still training her children and grandchildren in leather puppetry training camp and her family, the Government and many organizations have given her many honors in recognition of her service.

Smt. Shilliekyatara  has given her performance in Hampi Utsav, Anegundi Utsav, Kanakagiri Utsav, Mysore Dussehra Utsav, Koppal District Utsav, Darwada Utsav, Lakkundi Utsav, Horanadu Utsav, 87th All India Kannada Literature Conference, Bangalore Utsav, Kittoor Utsav, Belavadi Mallamma Utsav, Sangolli Rayanna Utsav, Performing Arts Study Utsav, Gombe Heritage Utsav, Folk Fair, Janpara Utsav. She has succeeded in upholding the art, culture and heritage of the country by performing leather puppetry in the Suggy Huggy Utsav, a program sponsored by the Kannada Culture Department and thousands of other government and association cultural programs.

Smt. Shilliekyatara is the recipient of several awards and honors for her contributions to performing puppetry such as 1992 Teran Country International Gombe Utsav Award, 2004-2005 janapada Yakshagana Award, Performing Arts Study Award, 2014 Karnataka Rajyotsav Award, 2021-22 Janapadashree Award, Bayalata Academy Award, Senior Citizen Special Award, All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelna Award, Hampi Utsav Award and Anegundi Utsav Award, Gombe. The Government of Karnataka honored with Heritage Festival Award, Mysore Dasara Festival Award, Darwada Festival Award, Koppal District Rajyotsava Award, Belavadimalamma Award, Kittoru Festival Award.

 

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