India’s most prestigious civilian honours—the Padma Awards 2026—were announced on the eve of Republic Day, recognising 131 individuals for exceptional contributions across arts, public service, science, sports, literature, medicine, education, and social work. The list reflects the spirit of the Padma tradition: celebrating both nationally known icons and lesser-known changemakers whose work has shaped communities at the grassroots.

The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—and are presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan later in the year.

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Padma Vibhushan: Service of a Very High Order

The Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, was awarded to five individuals whose life’s work has left a profound national imprint.

• Dharmendra Singh Deol (posthumous) – Legendary Bollywood actor whose career spanned decades and generations
• K. T. Thomas – Former Supreme Court judge known for landmark judicial contributions
• N. Rajam – Violin maestro and torchbearer of Hindustani classical music
• P. Narayanan – Noted writer and educationist
• V. S. Achuthanandan (posthumous) – Veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala

These honours underscore a lifetime of excellence and service that transcended professional boundaries.

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Padma Bhushan: Recognising Distinguished Contributions

The Padma Bhushan category this year brought together achievers from cinema, music, sports, medicine, business, and public life—individuals whose influence extends beyond their fields.

Among the prominent awardees are:

• Alka Yagnik – Iconic playback singer with an enduring musical legacy
• Mammootty – Celebrated actor and pillar of Malayalam cinema
• Vijay Amritraj – Tennis legend and global sports ambassador
• Uday Kotak – Banker and business leader who reshaped India’s financial sector
• Bhagat Singh Koshyari – Veteran public servant
• Nori Dattatreyudu – Renowned oncologist

Several others were honoured for outstanding service in literature, healthcare, social work, and public affairs, reflecting the wide canvas of national contribution.

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Padma Shri: Celebrating Excellence Across India

The Padma Shri, the most widely awarded category, showcased the depth and diversity of Indian achievement—bringing together celebrated sports personalities and inspiring grassroots innovators.

Notable awardees include:

• Rohit Sharma – Captain of the Indian men’s cricket team
• Harmanpreet Kaur – Icon of Indian women’s cricket
• Savita Punia – Hockey stalwart and national team leader
• Anke Gowda M. – Founder of India’s largest free public library initiative
• Armida Fernandez – Pioneer in paediatric healthcare

Alongside them were artists, educators, scientists, doctors, and social workers whose contributions often unfolded far from the spotlight but delivered lasting social impact.

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Global and Inclusive Recognition

The 2026 list includes awardees from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI categories and several posthumous honours, reaffirming that Indian excellence spans borders—and that legacies continue to inspire long after lifetimes end.

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The Enduring Legacy of the Padma Awards

Announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, the Padma Awards are conferred in a formal ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March or April. More than accolades for fame, they honour dedicated service, quiet excellence, and transformative impact—across professions and across India.

The Padma Awards 2026 stand as a reminder that the nation’s progress is shaped as much by celebrated stars as by unsung heroes, each contributing to India’s cultural, intellectual, and social fabric in their own enduring way.