By Soniya:
The Government of India conferred the Padma Awards 2026 in two Civil Investiture Ceremonies held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, recognizing outstanding contributions across diverse fields such as public affairs, literature, sports, arts, medicine, and social service.
A total of 131 Padma Awards were announced on January 25, 2026, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu during ceremonies held on May 25 and June 23, 2026.
In the first ceremony, 66 awardees were honoured. Veteran actor Dharmendra was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, with actress Hema Malini receiving the honour on his behalf.
During the second ceremony, the remaining 65 awards were presented. Notable Padma Bhushan recipients included Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, and Vijay Amritraj.
Among the Padma Vibhushan awardees were former Supreme Court judge K. T. Thomas for Public Affairs and P. Narayanan for Literature and Education. The Padma Shri awardees included Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, actor-director R. Madhavan, and hockey player Savita Punia.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The awards recognize exceptional service and achievements across various disciplines, reflecting the nation’s appreciation for individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
