The Padma Awards 2026 have been announced, and once again India is celebrating excellence in different fields — from art to public service, science to social work, and literature to education. These awards are among the highest civilian honours given by the Government of India, recognising outstanding and lifelong contributions that have made a real impact on society.
This year’s list includes well-known figures, grassroots heroes, educators, scientists, artists, and leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving others and inspiring change. Let’s take a closer look at the winners, what these awards mean, and why they matter to every Indian.
What Are the Padma Awards?
The Padma Awards are conferred every year by the President of India in recognition of:
- Padma Vibhushan – For exceptional and distinguished service
- Padma Bhushan – For distinguished service of high order
- Padma Shri – For distinguished service in any field
These honours span a wide range of categories, including art, literature, education, science and engineering, public affairs, social service, sports, medicine, trade and industry, and civil service. They acknowledge not just fame, but lasting and meaningful contributions to society.
Padma Vibhushan 2026: The Highest Civilian Honour
Five distinguished personalities have been awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2026. This award recognises service of exceptional order and is one of the highest civilian honours in India.
Here are this year’s Padma Vibhushan winners:
- Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) – Legendary actor who shaped Indian cinema with unforgettable performances.
- K T Thomas – Eminent jurist and former Supreme Court judge, recognised for his public service.
- N Rajam – Renowned violinist whose music crossed borders and generations.
- P Narayanan – Veteran writer and thinker honoured for his contribution to literature and education.
- V S Achuthanandhan (Posthumous) – Former Chief Minister of Kerala, recognised for decades of public service.
These individuals have left an indelible mark on Indian culture, law, education, and society. Their work has not only earned them national acclaim but helped shape the nation’s identity.
Padma Bhushan 2026: Leaders and Icons of India
This year, thirteen distinguished persons have been awarded the Padma Bhushan for their service of a high order. These include legends from arts, public affairs, medicine, social work, and sports.
Some notable winners are:
- Alka Yagnik – Celebrated Indian singer whose melodies have defined generations of music lovers.
- Bhagat Singh Koshyari – Veteran leader recognised for public affairs and governance.
- Mammootty – Iconic actor from South Indian cinema with a prolific career.
- Uday Kotak – Prominent business leader known for contributions to trade and industry.
- Vijay Amritraj – Legendary tennis player honoured for sports excellence.
In total, the Padma Bhushan list includes achievers who have served India with distinction and helped elevate the country’s stature globally.
Padma Shri 2026: Recognising Distinguished Service Across India
The Padma Shri is awarded for distinguished service in any field. This year’s list includes 113 remarkable individuals, each representing dedication and excellence in their respective domains. Among them are educators, thinkers, activists, grassroots contributors, artists, and scientists.
Some notable Padma Shri recipients include:
- Anke Gowda M. – Built one of India’s largest free libraries, open to the public, promoting literacy and learning.
- Asok Kumar Haldar – Recognised for his contribution to literature and education.
- Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar – Former UGC Chairman, recognised for his services in higher education.
- Kailash Chandra Pant – Known for decades of service in journalism and education.
- Prabhakar Basavaprabhu Kore – Educator whose lifelong work expanded educational opportunities in Karnataka.
This year’s Padma Shri list blends celebrated names with unsung heroes — people whose work is making a difference at the grassroots level.
Women, NRIs, and Posthumous Honourees in 2026
This year’s Padma Awards list is also notable for its diversity:
- 19 women have been honoured for their exemplary service.
- 6 awardees are foreigners or of Indian origin living abroad (NRI/PIO/OCI).
- 16 awards are posthumous, recognising the lifetime contributions of individuals no longer with us.
This blend of achievers from across geographies and backgrounds highlights the inclusive nature of the Padma Awards and their role in celebrating contributions that transcend boundaries.
How Padma Awards are Conferred
The Padma Awards are announced every year around Republic Day (26 January). They are approved by the President of India and presented in a formal ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan later in March or April.
These awards are a way for the nation to thank individuals whose work has touched many lives and shaped India’s progress.
Why the Padma Awards Matter
The Padma Awards do more than just honour individuals. They:
- Shine a spotlight on dedication, sacrifice, and excellence
- Encourage others to pursue purpose-driven life paths
- Inspire young people to believe that service matters
- Celebrate India’s cultural and intellectual diversity
When a teacher, journalist, artist, or community worker receives a Padma Award, it sends a powerful message: your work is valued, and your impact matters.
Final Thoughts
The Padma Awards 2026 list is a beautiful mix of legends and everyday heroes. From cinema icons like Dharmendra and Mammootty to educators and social workers who quietly transform communities, this year’s awardees represent the best of India.
These honours remind us that service to society — whether through art, education, science, sports, or grassroots work — is what truly builds a nation.
Congratulations to all the awardees. May their stories inspire us to work harder, care deeper, and contribute more meaningfully to the world.
