MUMBAI: President Pratibha Patil gave away the Lokmat sponsored Maharashtrian of the Year awards for 2011 to eight illustrious persons of Maharashtra besides presenting Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar with the highest honours.

The awards presentation ceremony was presided over by the Governor of Maharashtra K Sankaranarayanan.

While Amitabh Bachchan was presented with the Lokmat Moty Manbindu award, veteran Dilip Kumar was honoured with the Lokmat Jeevan Gaurav (Lifetime Achievement) award for their valuable contributions to the world of cinema and entertainment. Both received a trophy, a citation and Rs 500,000 each.

Besides, eight other people who received the Maharashtrian of the Year awards for significant work and service in various areas were Paromita Goswami from Nagpur for Social Service and Public Service; Himmatrao Bavaskar from Mumbai for Science and Technology; Raju Shetty from Kolhapur for Politics; Hanmant Gaikwad from Pune for Business; Bandopant Rakhmaji Khedkar from Pune for Art; Kishor Kadam from Mumbai for Literature; Veerdhawal Khade from Kolhapur for Sports and Sheikh Nasir-Sheikh Niyaz from Nashik for Entertainment.

The winners received an individual citation, a trophy and a cheque for Rs 100,000 as a token of Lokmat Media?s appreciation of their immense contribution to the progress of Maharashtra.

Lokmat Media chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Jawaharlal Darda said, "The winners represent the best spirit of selfless and dedicated service to our glorious state, and truly deserve to be saluted with Jai Maharashtrian.

"I am confident that receiving this high award from the Her Excellency Pratibha Patil, the President of India, will inspire them immensely, and will also encourage others to emulate them."

He thanked the President for having graced the occasion as chief guest. Darda also thanked the state governor for having presided over the awards function.