President Droupdai Murmu approves 131 Padma Awards for 2026, honouring excellence in art, sports, medicine, science, public affairs, and social work. The list includes Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri awardees, women achievers, foreign nationals, and posthumous honours.
On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards for the year 2026, recognising outstanding contributions across a wide spectrum of disciplines. The prestigious civilian honours include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, with two recognitions awarded in duo cases, which are counted as a single award.
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours of India, instituted to acknowledge exceptional service and excellence in fields such as art, literature, education, medicine, science and engineering, social work, sports, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry, and other vital areas of national life. Announced annually on Republic Day, the awards celebrate individuals whose work has significantly enriched Indian society and elevated the country’s global standing.
Categories and Significance
The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, the Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and the Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. These honours reflect India’s commitment to recognising merit, dedication, and lifelong service, irrespective of profession or background.
The awards are formally presented by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually during March or April each year, in the presence of dignitaries and awardees’ families.
Diverse Representation Across India and the World
This year’s list demonstrates remarkable diversity in terms of geography, profession, and gender. Among the 131 awardees, 19 are women, highlighting the growing recognition of women’s leadership and excellence across multiple domains. The list also includes six foreign nationals and Overseas Citizens of India, underscoring India’s global cultural and intellectual connections.
Additionally, 16 awards have been conferred posthumously, honouring individuals whose enduring legacies continue to inspire generations even after their passing.
Padma Vibhushan Awardees
The highest category, Padma Vibhushan, has been awarded to five eminent personalities. These include legendary actor Dharmendra Singh Deol (posthumous) for his contribution to art, former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas for public affairs, renowned violinist N Rajam for art, educationist P Narayanan for literature and education, and veteran political leader V S Achuthanandhan (posthumous) for public affairs.
Padma Bhushan Honourees
The Padma Bhushan recipients include celebrated singer Alka Yagnik, acclaimed actor Mammootty, advertising icon Piyush Pandey (posthumous), industrialist Uday Kotak, former cricketer Vijay Amritraj, and several distinguished figures from medicine, social work, and public life. Their contributions have shaped industries, culture, governance, and global perceptions of India.
Padma Shri: Honouring Grassroots Excellence
The largest segment, Padma Shri, recognises 113 individuals who have made exceptional contributions at the grassroots and national levels. Awardees come from fields as varied as folk art, archaeology, agriculture, radio broadcasting, animal husbandry, spiritualism, and civil service. Many recipients have worked tirelessly in remote and underserved regions, bringing social change, preserving heritage, and empowering communities.
Notably, the list includes sports icons such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Rohit Sharma, and Savita Punia, reflecting India’s growing prominence in international sports. Several educators, scientists, doctors, and social workers have also been honoured for decades of selfless service.
A Celebration of India’s Collective Achievement
The Padma Awards 2026 once again underscore the spirit of inclusive recognition, celebrating both nationally known figures and unsung heroes whose work has quietly transformed lives. By honouring excellence across regions and disciplines, the awards reinforce the values of service, dedication, and integrity that form the backbone of India’s democratic and cultural ethos.
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As the nation celebrates Republic Day, the announcement of the Padma Awards serves as a reminder that India’s true strength lies in the diverse talents and unwavering commitment of its people.
