Padma Awards 2026 Announced: India Honours Excellence Across Fields of Service
Padma Awards 2026 Announced: 131 Honoured for Distinguished Service Across India
The Government of India has unveiled the Padma Awards 2026 on the eve of Republic Day, recognising 131 individuals for their exceptional contributions in fields ranging from art and culture to science, sports, public affairs, and social service. Announced annually, these honours are among the nation’s highest civilian awards, celebrating distinguished service and inspiring excellence across diverse disciplines.
The list for 2026 includes 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awardees. Among the recipients are renowned figures from film, music, sports, literature, and grassroots social work, alongside remarkable unsung heroes whose contributions have enriched communities nationwide.
Padma Vibhushan 2026
The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian honour in India, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. This year’s recipients are:
- Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) – Art (Veteran actor whose films left an indelible mark on Indian cinema)
- K T Thomas – Public Affairs (Former Supreme Court justice)
- N Rajam – Art (Classical violinist with a global legacy)
- P Narayanan – Literature & Education
- V S Achuthanandan (Posthumous) – Public Affairs (Former Kerala Chief Minister and public leader)
Padma Bhushan 2026
The Padma Bhushan honours distinguished service of a high order. Notable awardees include:
- Alka Yagnik – Art (Legendary playback singer)
- Bhagat Singh Koshyari – Public Affairs (Former Uttarakhand governor)
- Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy – Medicine
- Mammootty – Art (Iconic actor in Indian cinema)
- Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu – Medicine (United States)
- Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) – Art (Renowned advertising professional)
- S K M Maeilanandhan – Social Work
- Shatavadhani R Ganesh – Art
- Shibu Soren (Posthumous) – Public Affairs
- Uday Kotak – Trade & Industry
- V K Malhotra (Posthumous) – Public Affairs
- Vellappally Natesan – Public Affairs
- Vijay Amritraj – Sports (Tennis legend)
Padma Shri 2026
The Padma Shri recognises distinguished service in any field. This year’s broad list includes 113 awardees, among them:
- Rohit Sharma – Sports (Cricket captain)
- Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar – Sports (Cricket)
- Savita Punia – Sports (Hockey)
- Anke Gowda M. – Social Work (Founder of India’s largest free-access library in Karnataka)
Other 2026 Padma Shri recipients span the fields of science and engineering, music, art, civil service, medicine, and social activism, including many grassroots contributors whose work has transformed communities. A group of unsung heroes—such as a paediatrician who started Asia’s first human milk bank and a 90-year-old traditional musician—are also recognised for their lifelong dedication.
Significance and Ceremony
The Padma Awards are conferred by the President of India at an official ceremony typically held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March or April following the announcement. These honours reaffirm India’s respect for service that promotes national growth, cultural richness, human welfare, and global influence.
This year’s list includes 19 women awardees, six foreigners or persons of Indian origin abroad, and 16 posthumous awards, reflecting not only excellence but also diversity and inclusivity in recognising contributions from across society and geography.
Celebrating a Culture of Excellence
The Padma Awards 2026 spotlight accomplishments across generational, regional, and professional boundaries, reinforcing the value of dedicated service to the nation. As India prepares to observe Republic Day, the announcement of these honours stands as a tribute to citizens whose distinguished efforts continue to uplift and inspire the country.
