The Padma Awards 2026 represent one of India’s highest civilian honors, conferred annually to recognize exceptional contributions in fields such as arts, literature, science, public service, sports, social work, and more. Announced on January 25, 2026, ahead of Republic Day, this year’s list includes 131 awardees: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri.
What makes this edition particularly noteworthy is its emphasis on diversity and inspiration 19 women honorees, 16 posthumous awards (including legends whose legacies continue to inspire), and a strong focus on grassroots heroes and unsung contributors from marginalized communities, tribal areas, and remote regions.
These awards go beyond celebrity recognition; they celebrate triumph over adversity, dedication to nation-building, and quiet perseverance that often goes unnoticed.
Padma Vibhushan: The Pinnacle of Honor (5 Recipients)
The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. This year includes two posthumous honors, underscoring lasting legacies.
Notable recipients:
- Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) – Art – Maharashtra. The Bollywood icon, known as “He-Man” for his charisma and contributions to Indian cinema over decades.
- Shri K T Thomas – Public Affairs – Kerala.
- Ms. N Rajam – Art – Uttar Pradesh. Renowned violinist and classical music exponent.
- Shri P Narayanan – Literature and Education – Kerala.
- Shri V S Achuthanandhan (Posthumous) – Public Affairs – Kerala. Former Chief Minister of Kerala, revered for his integrity and public service.
These awards highlight how excellence transcends lifetimes, honoring those who shaped culture and governance.
Padma Bhushan: Distinguished Service (13 Recipients)
The Padma Bhushan recognizes distinguished service of a high order. This category features a mix of cultural icons, medical experts, and public figures.
Highlights include:
- Ms. Alka Yagnik – Art – Maharashtra. Legendary playback singer whose voice defined generations of Bollywood hits.
- Shri Mammootty – Art – Kerala. Acclaimed Malayalam actor known for versatile performances and social impact.
- Shri Shibu Soren (Posthumous) – Public Affairs – Jharkhand.
- Shri Uday Kotak – Trade and Industry – Maharashtra.
- Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari – Public Affairs – Uttarakhand.
- Shri Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy – Medicine – Tamil Nadu.
- Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu – Medicine – United States of America.
- Shri Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) – Art – Maharashtra.
- Shri S K M Maeilanandhan – Social Work – Tamil Nadu.
- Shri Shatavadhani R Ganesh – Art – Karnataka.
- Shri V K Malhotra (Posthumous) – Public Affairs – Delhi.
- Shri Vellappally Natesan – Public Affairs – Kerala.
- Shri Vijay Amritraj – Sports – United States of America.
This category bridges glamour with grounded achievements in industry and service.
Padma Shri: Recognizing the Grassroots Heroes (113 Recipients)
The bulk of the awards Padma Shri honors ordinary individuals doing extraordinary work. Many come from rural, tribal, and underserved areas, embodying triumph over adversity.
This year features numerous grassroots heroes recognized for contributions in education, healthcare, environment, handicrafts, agriculture, and social reform. These stories often involve overcoming poverty, discrimination, or natural challenges to uplift communities.
Examples of inspiring Padma Shri recipients:
- Shri Rohit Sharma – Sports – Maharashtra. India’s cricket captain, honored for leadership and excellence in sports.
- Ms. Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar – Sports – Punjab. Captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, celebrated for her achievements.
- Ms. Savita Punia – Sports – Haryana. Hockey goalkeeper known for her stellar performances.
- Unsung contributors like Dr. Budhri Tati – Social Work – Chhattisgarh, Shri Jogesh Deuri – Others – Agriculture – Assam, and many others from fields like tribal welfare, traditional medicine, and environmental conservation.
The inclusion of 19 women across categories reflects growing recognition of female achievers in diverse domains.
Why the 2026 Padma Awards Resonate So Deeply
In a world often dominated by instant fame, the Padma Awards remind us of enduring values: perseverance, service, and impact beyond self.
- Posthumous honors (16 total) pay tribute to legacies that outlive individuals Dharmendra’s larger-than-life persona and Achuthanandhan’s principled politics continue to inspire.
- Celebrity inclusions like Alka Yagnik, Mammootty, Rohit Sharma, and Harmanpreet Kaur bring mainstream attention, drawing younger audiences to the awards’ significance.
- Focus on unsung heroes counters narratives of inequality, showing that true excellence thrives in India’s villages and margins.
As India celebrates its Republic Day, these 131 Padma awardees embody the nation’s spirit unity in diversity, resilience, and collective progress.
Congratulations to all recipients! Their stories are a powerful reminder that greatness comes in many forms, from silver screens to remote fields.
Last Updated on: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:37 pm by Monisha Angara | Published by: Monisha Angara on Monday, January 26, 2026 1:37 pm | News Categories: News, India
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