(Image source from: ThePrint)

On whole, about 272 foreigners, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), have been bestowed the Padma Awards since inception in 1954, MoS in Home Ministry Nityanand Rai said.

"272 Foreigners, Non-resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) have been conferred the Padma Awards since inception in 1954," Rai said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Rai further added in the written reply, "The award is presented only to those who sacrifice and make efforts to do extraordinary works and establish themselves in the various streams to become an example for the society."

He told the Lower House that any individual without distinction of occupation, race, position or sex is entitled for the Padma awards. Padmashree, the fourth highest civilian award, is conferred by the Centre every year on Republic Day.

By Sowmya Sangam