Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], Jan 27 (ANI): Social worker Chinna Pillai, who was decorated with the Padma Shri on Friday, revealed that she first came into limelight due to former late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “I first came into light due to former Prime Minister Vajpayee Ji. For receiving this award, I thank Dhan foundation and my fellow friends who always stood for me,” she told ANI.Pillai said she started the concept of “Kalanjiam” or microcredit loan with amounts as low as Rs 5, 10 and 20.“I started with a meagre amount of Rs 5, 10, 20 and formed 'Kalanjiam' (microcredit loans). I used to work as a labourer during the day and for 'kalanjiam' at night. I worked against alcoholism and usury prevalent in rural areas,” said Pillai.Uttarakhand folk singer Pritam Bhartwan, whose name also surfaced among the list of Padma Shri awardees, thanked the government for recognising local music.“I would like to thank the Government of India for recognising our local music. I dedicate this award to the audience, to the folk artiste of Uttarakhand, and to my father who was also my mentor,” he said. Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday announced the names of 112 recipients of the Padma awards, one of the highest civilian awards of the country on the eve of the country's 70th Republic Day.The Padma awards are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, the second, third and fourth highest civilian awards of the country respectively, only after Bharat Ratna.This year's awardees comprise four Padma Vibhushan, 14 Padma Bhushan and 94 Padma Shri recipients. (ANI)

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