India, Jan. 25 -- Padma awards are among the most prestigious honours awarded by the central government to citizens of India every year on Republic Day. This year too, many "unsung heroes" have been recognised in the list released by the authorities.

A former bus conductor who set up the world's largest free-access library, a paediatrician who formed Asia's first human milk bank, and a 90-year-old rare musical instrument player were among 45 individuals from across India chosen for the Padma Shri award in the 'unsung heroes' category.

"From doctors working in local health challenges like Haemophilia to a neonatologist who set up India's first human milk-bank, from preserving India's indigenous heritage and promoting national integration...