Jan. 25: If a checklist of the last year of Manmohan Singh’s first government has to be made, look no further than the Padma awards list made public today.

Between the lines that list a galaxy of names lie the signature events of 2008 — the association self-evident in many cases and not so obvious in some.

The big surprise on the Padma Shri roster is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, whose in-laws share a fraternal relationship with Amar Singh, a friend the UPA government found when Prakash Karat pulled the plug.

The issue that made Karat go ballistic — the nuclear deal — also finds an echo in the list of names for Padma awards, given by the government for exceptional service in various fields. Anil Kakodkar, the Atomic Energy Commission chairman who played a key role in getting the nuclear deal on track, will be given Padma Vibhushan — the big daddy of the Padma family. Bhushan and Shri, in that order, follow Vibhushan.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshay Kumar are among the honorees for this years Padma Shri Awards. Also being honored with the award are star of yesteryear Helen, singer Udit Narayan, singer Hridaynath Mangeshkar and ghazal singer Penaz Masani. Crikceter Dhoni was also awarded a Padma Shri for his outstanding achievements in sports.

The Padma Shri is an award given to honor contributions to Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Social Service and public life given by the Indian Government. It is the country’s fourth highest honor.

Aishwarya said, “I am thrilled to hear that the government has accorded me such a big honour.” Amitabh honored his daughter-in-law on his blog writing, “Aishwarya comes in from Chennai tomorrow early. Her Padma Shri decoration on announcement on the wires. We are all happy for her recognition. It will be the 5th National Padma decoration in the family. My Father the first with a Padma Bhushan, then me with a Padma Shri, followed again after a few years with a Padma Bhushan, Jaya with a Padma Shri and now Aishwarya.

5 Padma awardees in one family !! God is generous and kind.”

Olympic gold medal winner Abhinav Bindra was awarded a Padma Bhushan, the third highest honor given, for winning India's first individual gold medal. Bindra said, “I am indeed humbled by the honour bestowed upon me. I understand that this is an honour not just for me, but for the sportsmen and women of India whom I represent.”

A total of 133 Padma awards were awarded: 10 Padma Vibhushan, 30 Padma Bhushan and 93 Padma Shri. 

Congratulations to the winners!

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan today said she was"absolutely honoured"at being conferred the Padmashri and that she was grateful for it.

"I am very thankful for the privilege. I am humbled by it I thank the high officers of our country because this has been accorded to me by them and our fellow people,"the actress told reporters at the inauguration of the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in suburban Andheri here.

"I hope to be able to live up to the promise of it. I am very grateful and will continue doing my best,"the actress added.