New Delhi, May 27 (UNI) President Droupadi Murmu, conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan award to Anant Nag (Art) and Padma Shri awards to Dr. Ricky Gyan Kej (Art), Prashanth Prakash (Trade and Industry), and Dr Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar (Art) here on Tuesday.

Anant Nag is a veteran Kannada film actor known for his versatility and outstanding contribution to Indian cinema spanning five decades. With over 300 films in multiple languages and numerous awards, including five for best actor in Karnataka, Nag has also served as a Minister and MLC in the state.

Dr Ricky Gyan Kej, a three-time Grammy Award-winning musician, is internationally acclaimed for his fusion of Indian classical and contemporary music. He is also a prominent humanitarian and environmental advocate associated with several United Nations bodies, including UNCCD, UNICEF, and WHO, using music as a platform for social and environmental awareness.



Prashanth Prakash is a renowned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, instrumental in shaping India’s startup ecosystem.

As founding partner of Accel India and chairman of multiple non-profits, he has backed numerous successful startups and contributed to public policy in Karnataka for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar is a distinguished Gondhali folk artist committed to preserving Karnataka’s rich folk traditions for over seven decades. He is celebrated for his mastery of thousands of folk songs and storytelling and has trained over 1,000 students to carry forward the Gondhali legacy. UNI BDN SSP