Annavarapu Rama Swamy is a famous classical Indian violinist from Andhra Pradesh, has been named as a Padma Shri awardee under the Arts category.
The 96-year-old musician has invented new Ragas, Talas such as Vandana Raga, Sri Durga Raga & Tinetradi Tala & Vedadi Tala.
Dr Asavadi Prakasarao, hails from Anantapur district and is a Dalit Hindu author known for his poetry and prose works. He was given the Padma Shri honour in the Literature category.
He has authored around 50 books in various genres,honoured with more than 75 state level awards & set up a free library in Penukonda.
Dandamudi Sumathi From AP is the first woman 'laya vidwan' in the country & a professional mridangam artist.She received the Padma Shri under the arts category.
Dandamudi Sumathi, a noted mridangam player, is the wife of famous mridangam player Dandamudi Rama Mohana Rao.
Kanaka Raju(63) is a master of Gusadi, a tribal dance form was given the Padma Shri award in the Arts category.
Kanaka Raju is the only recipient from Telangana State and hails from Marlavai of Jainoor mandal in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.
Musician singer SP Balasubrahmanyam received the Padma Vibhushan award posthumously.
SP Balu's son, singer SP Charan took the award.