India, June 24 -- Distinguished economist and well-known figure in India's economic policy reforms, Vijay Kelkar, on Monday was felicitated with the Punyabhushan Award for his exceptional contributions to the field of economics. The awards ceremony was held in Pune wherein union minister Nitin Gadkari conferred the prestigious award on Kelkar. Kelkar's name had been finalised for the award by the selection committee chaired by renowned scientist Raghunath Mashelkar. Alongside Kelkar, the Pune-based Punyabhushan Foundation also honoured four soldiers who sustained injuries while on duty and the mother of a war martyr for the sacrifices made by these brave hearts for their country.

Gadkari expressed deep respect for Mashelkar and said that...