By Krishna Dua 
Padma Awards 2026: Complete Winners List and Major Highlights
The Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026 today, on the eve of Republic Day, honoring exceptional contributions across diverse fields including arts, literature, social service, medicine, public affairs, sports, and more. These prestigious civilian awards, conferred in the name of the President, include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri categories. This year’s list places strong emphasis on recognizing unsung heroes from grassroots levels, with a dedicated focus on 45 Padma Shri recipients in this category, celebrating ordinary individuals making extraordinary impacts in remote and marginalized communities.
The awards highlight India’s commitment to inclusivity, honoring contributions from various states, tribal regions, and underrepresented sectors. While the complete official list across all categories is being compiled on the Padma Awards portal, reports indicate a total of around 119-120 recipients this year, comprising 7 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, and the majority in Padma Shri (including the 45 unsung heroes). Notable themes include promotion of traditional arts, social reform, environmental efforts, and public service. Several prominent figures from cinema, sports, and literature feature prominently, alongside dedicated community workers. The awards will be presented at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan later in the year.
Overview and Key Statistics
The Padma Awards 2026 reflect a balanced recognition of excellence at national and local levels. Key statistics include:
- Significant representation of women and senior citizens, with many awardees over 70 years old dedicating lifetimes to service.
- Emphasis on unsung heroes: 45 Padma Shri awards specifically for individuals whose work often goes unnoticed, such as tribal artists, doctors in rural areas, environmentalists, and social reformers.
- Diversity across states: Recipients hail from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tripura, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, and more.
- Fields covered: Arts (including folk and traditional), literature and education, social work, medicine, agriculture, public service, and environmental conservation.
- No posthumous awards prominently mentioned this year in initial reports, though final confirmations may vary.
This edition underscores the government’s focus on grassroots contributions, aligning with national priorities like rural development, cultural preservation, and social equity.
Padma Vibhushan Recipients 2026
The Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor, is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service of the highest order. This year, 7 individuals have been selected, though specific names for this category are yet to be fully detailed in public announcements. Reports suggest inclusion of luminaries in judiciary, public affairs, and other high-impact areas, continuing the tradition of honoring transformative leaders.
Padma Bhushan Recipients 2026
The Padma Bhushan recognizes distinguished service of a high order, with 10 recipients this year. The category features several celebrated personalities from arts and sports:
- Mohanlal – Legendary Malayalam actor known for his versatile performances and contributions to Indian cinema.
- Manoj Bajpayee – Acclaimed Hindi film actor recognized for his powerful roles and dedication to meaningful storytelling.
- Prabhudheva – Versatile dancer, choreographer, and actor honored for his contributions to dance and entertainment.
- Anant Nag – Veteran Kannada actor and theater personality from Karnataka.
- A Surya Prakash – Journalist and commentator from Karnataka, noted for public affairs contributions.
- P R Sreejesh – Former Indian hockey goalkeeper, awarded for excellence in sports.
- Ajith Kumar – Tamil cinema superstar, recognized in the art category.
- Shobana Chandrakumar – Actress and classical dancer.
- Nalli – Likely referring to Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti or related to traditional arts/textiles.
Other names circulating include late Kader Khan (posthumous consideration in legacy) and Shankar (possibly musician or director). These honorees represent a blend of cinematic excellence, sports achievement, and cultural preservation.
Padma Shri Recipients 2026 – Focus on Unsung Heroes
The Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, has the largest number of recipients, with special attention to 45 unsung heroes whose tireless efforts have uplifted communities. These awards celebrate individuals in social work, arts, medicine, agriculture, education, and more. The full list of 45 unsung heroes Padma Shri awardees includes:
- Anke Gowda (Karnataka) – Literature & Education
- Armida Fernandez (Maharashtra) – Social Service
- Bhagwandas Raikwar
- Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda
- Brij Lal Bhat (Jammu & Kashmir) – Social Work
- Budhri Tati (Chhattisgarh) – Social Work
- Charan Hembram (Odisha) – Social Work
- Chiranji Lal Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) – Public Service
- Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya
- Gafruddin Mewati Jogi (Rajasthan) – Art
- Hally War (Meghalaya) – Social Work
- Inderjit Singh Sidhu (Chandigarh) – Retired DIG, Social Work
- K Pajanivel
- Kailash Chandra Pant
- Khem Raj Sundriyal
- Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G
- Kumarasamy Thangaraj
- Mahendra Kumar Mishra (Odisha) – Literature & Education
- Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai (Gujarat) – Art
- Mohan Nagar (Madhya Pradesh) – Environmentalist
- Naresh Chandra Dev Varma / Naresh Chandra Debbarma (Tripura) – Literature & Education
- Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala (Gujarat)
- Nuruddin Ahmed
- Othuvar Thiruthani Swaminathan (Tamil Nadu) – Art/Traditional
- Padma Gurmet
- Pokhila Lekthepi
- Punniamurthy Natesan
- R Krishnan (Tamil Nadu) – Art
- Raghupat Singh (Uttar Pradesh) – Agriculture
- Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar (Maharashtra) – Art
- Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar
- Rama Reddy Mamidi
- Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole (Chhattisgarh) – Medicine
- S G Susheelamma
- Sangyusang S Pongener
- Shafi Shauq
- Shrirang Devaba Lad
- Shyam Sundar (Uttar Pradesh) – Medicine
- Simanchal Patro
- Suresh Hanagavadi
- Taga Ram Bheel
- Techi Gubin
- Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam
- Vishwa Bandhu
- Yumnam Jatra Singh
Additional Padma Shri recipients in other categories include figures like Kariya Munda (possibly tribal leadership) and others in arts and social sectors.
Major Highlights and Significance
The 2026 Padma Awards stand out for their focus on unsung heroes, with 45 Padma Shri awards dedicated to individuals like 75-year-old Anke Gowda from Karnataka and retired DIG Inderjit Singh Sidhu, exemplifying lifelong dedication without seeking recognition. Tribal artists, rural doctors, organ donation advocates (e.g., from Gujarat), and folk performers from remote areas feature prominently, showcasing cultural and social diversity.
Cinema receives a boost with stalwarts like Mohanlal, Manoj Bajpayee, and Prabhudheva, highlighting the industry’s cultural role. Sports honors, such as to P R Sreejesh, celebrate India’s hockey legacy. Environmentalists like Mohan Nagar and agricultural contributors like Raghupat Singh address sustainability concerns.
Overall, the awards promote national unity by recognizing contributions from every corner of India, inspiring future generations. As the nation celebrates Republic Day, these honorees embody service, perseverance, and excellence.