Lucknow’s Chikankari artisan, Naseem Bano, felt a sense of pride as she was bestowed with the Padma Shri accolade in the art domain during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri Awards for the year 2024 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Bano, renowned for her handcrafted embroidery, shared her joy with ANI, emphasizing her lifelong dedication to the art form. Raised in a household where her father, Hasan Mirza, mastered the unique Anokhi Chikankari embroidery, characterized by threads absent on the fabric’s reverse side, Bano imbibed the skill from a young age. She aims to pass on this cherished craft to other young girls, continuing her family’s legacy.
President Droupadi Murmu also conferred the Padma Bhushan upon veteran singer Usha Uthup in the arts domain. The list of Padma Awardees for the year, announced on the eve of the 75th Republic Day, includes notable figures from diverse fields, such as actor-turned-politician Mithun Chakraborty, honored with the Padma Bhushan. This year’s list comprises 132 awardees, featuring a diverse range of talents, with special recognition for women and posthumous recipients.