The award is given for distinguished service in any field including service rendered by government servants.Padma Shri (also spelled Padma Shree, Padma Sree and Padma Sri) is an award given by the Government of India (generally to Indian citizens).

Padma Shree (Indian civilian award) comes after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. the word "Padma" above and the word "Shree" below the lotus flower on the obverse. The border around the periphery are in burnished bronze. All embossing on the either side of the decoration is in stainless steel.

2004
• Anupam Kher, actor	• Anju Bobby George,athlete	• Dilip Kumar Tirkey, (hockey)
• Hariharan, singer	• Rahul Dravid, cricketer	• Saurav Ganguly, cricketer
• Sudhir Tailang, cartoonist