Padma awards for three

Three Zoroastrians figured in this year’s Padma awards list announced by the government of India on January 26, 2008, the nation’s Republic Day. Standing tall among the clutch of eminent achievers was industrialist Ratan Naval Tata who was conferred the Padma Vibhushan (second only to the Bharat Ratna, which many felt he should have been given, but which was not awarded this year, for the seventh year in succession). Tata’s contribution to trade and industry, very much in the news these days, was fittingly acknowledged by the nation.

Clockwise from left: Ratan Tata, Kekoo Gandhy and Dr Keiki Mehta

Among the recipients of the Padma Shri were octogenarian art impresario Kekoo M. Gandhy of Chemould Art Gallery fame and noted ophthalmic surgeon Keiki R. Mehta for medicine. The latter’s contribution has been amply acknowledged by way of accolades received from around the globe for his innovative approach to the treatment of vision disorders.