In a special gesture, the President conferred the Award in a simple ceremony held at the residence of Vajpayee. 

Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, senior members of the Cabinet, several Chief Ministers, leaders of political parties, members of Vajpayee’s family and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.