New Delhi: Noted South Indian music composer Ilayaraja was on Thursday one among three people to be honoured with Padma Vibhushan. The other two were: Hindustani classical musician Ghulam Mustafa Khan and Shri Parameswaran Parameswaran for literature and education.

Soon after being told that he was graced with Padma Vibhushan, Ilayaraja told presspersons: "The award shows that Modi government respects Tamil Nadu and Tamil people a lot."

A joint Secretary level official from the Information and Broadcasting ministry had telephoned to inform him about the award, Illaiyaraja said in his brief media interaction.

Ilayaraaja, 74, is credited with integrating folk and western musical sensibilities into the South Indian musical mainstream.

He was conferred with Padma Bhushan by the government in 2010.

The government also announced the names of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardees.

Keeping its promise of honouring "unsung heroes", the government announced Padma Shri awards for personalities who served the poor, set up free schools and popularised tribal arts globally.