Monday, March 28 2005 21:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: R K Laxman brings out "happiness and sadness with the same stroke" and "in his cartoons life stands out as it is", said President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Kalam made this comment while replying to questions from reporters after presenting the coveted Padma Vibhushan to the octogenarian cartoonist of 'The Times of India'.

Departing from protocol, Kalam walked up to Laxman who was brought to the chandeliered Durbar Hall in a wheelchair.

"Laxman is a great cartoonist who manages to bring out human element in a beautiful manner...," Kalam said.

Laxman in turn quipped "it was an honour to receive the award from a person like Kalam".

Bollywood king Shahrukh Khan, a recipient of Padma Shri, was literally mobbed by young and old alike from among the guests who wanted to take his autograph. "I am very happy and I have to work hard to deserve this honour," the actor said.

Gladys June Staines, wife of Graham Staines, who was burnt to death along with his two sons in January 1999 in Orissa, flew in specially from Australia to receive Padma Shri bestowed on her for her devotion to care leprosy-affected people.

"It is an honour that the Government of India has supported me and has honoured my late husband by recognising his work," she said.

Shooter and Olympics silver medallist Lt Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said there was no substitute to hard work and dedicated young people could get what they aspire for through devotion to their goal.

Manna Dey, who stole the hearts of millions through his songs, said the Padma Bhushan given by the Government was a recognition of his work.