New Delhi, January 26: The Narendra Modi government yesterday announced the list of 112 Padma awardees.  Among the prestigious award winners, the one name which stands out and grabbed eyeballs of the people is Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, the CEO of MDH Masala. Mahashay was conferred with the third highest civilian honour, Padma Bhushan on the eve of the 70th Republic Day. The 99-year-old MDH Masala CEO is the son of company’s founder – Mahashay Chunni Lal Gulati. His family moved to Delhi after the partition.

Mahashay famous as the face of the company, is known for the ads he has done. He started his business with a shop and started selling spices, just like his father. He then went on to open another shop at Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh. People who know him for the earliest years, say that this is when and where he expanded his business from. FAKE NEWS of MDH Masala Owner Mahashay Dharampal Gulati Dies at 99 Years of Age Doing Rounds on Social Media.

It was in the year 1959, that he opened a spice factory of his own, that changed his fortune. He is not only a rich and famous businessman, but someone who is famous for his TV ads and lifestyle. Bharat Ratna For Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh & Bhupen Hazarika.

Mountaineer Bachendri Pal is among the 14 who received the third highest civilian award. Meanwhile, the second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan is awarded to four people including Teejan Bai, an exponent of Pandavani, a traditional performing art.  Other Padma Vishushan Awardees are Shri Ismail Omar Guelleh (Foreigner) Shri Anilkumar Manibhai Naik and Shri Balwant Moreshwar Purandare.

Padma Shri award was conferred on 94 people including veteran actor Kader Khan (posthumously), actor Manoj Bajpayee, footballer Sunil Chhetri, choreographer/director Prabhu Deva, former cricketer Gautam Gambhir, singer Shankar Mahadevan and freestyle wrestler Bajrang Punia.  Former President Pranab Mukherjee along with social activist Nanaji Deshmukh and playback singer Dr Bhupen Hazarika on Friday were conferred with India’s highest honour, Bharat Ratna.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 26, 2019 06:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).