New Delhi/ Patna: Sushil Kumar Modi, the former deputy chief minister of Bihar, was posthumously conferred the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu on Monday at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. His wife, Jessie Sushil Modi, received the honour on his behalf.
After accepting the award, Mrs Modi said it was not just a personal recognition but an honour for the entire state of Bihar. She, along with her son Utkarsh Tathagata Akshay Amritanshu, expressed gratitude to the president, prime minister, home minister, Bihar chief minister, both deputy chief ministers, and BJP state president Dilip Kumar Jaiswal. She added that the award would boost the morale and self-esteem of lakhs of dedicated BJP workers.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Modi said Sushil Kumar Modi had dedicated his life to serving different sections of society, often supporting hospitals, assisting those below the poverty line, and championing development initiatives in Bihar.
“This award will act as a balm on the wounds left by his untimely demise and serve as a source of inspiration, especially for the youth who seek leaders to set goals and offer direction,” she said.
Jessie Modi further remarked that the posthumous honour recognised Sushil Kumar Modi’s five decades of dedication to public life and politics. “Our family, along with lakhs of BJP workers and admirers of Sushil Modi, share this happiness. I am proud to dedicate this award to the people of Bihar, to whom he gave his unwavering commitment,” she said.
The Padma Bhushan is India’s third-highest civilian award, recognising distinguished service of a high order in any field of human endeavour.
