New Delhi: The Government of India on Saturday announced the Padma Awards for 2026, honouring 131 individuals from different fields for their service to the nation. The list was approved by President Droupadi Murmu and released on the eve of Republic Day.
Among the Padma Vibhushan recipients are veteran Kerala leader and former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who has been honoured posthumously, and former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas. Both are being recognised for their long and distinguished public service. Legendary Hindi film actor Dharmendra has also been awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously for his contribution to Indian cinema. Classical violinist N Rajam and writer P Narayanan are the other recipients of the award in this category.
Actor Mammootty has been conferred the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian cinema. Known for a career spanning more than five decades, he is widely respected for his performances in Malayalam and other Indian languages. Social leader and SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan has also received the Padma Bhushan for his work in community leadership and social service.
Other Padma Bhushan awardees include singer Alka Yagnik, former tennis player Vijay Amritraj, industrialist Uday Kotak and political leaders Shibu Soren and Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The awards reflect recognition across fields such as arts, sports, business, public affairs and social work.
The Padma Shri category includes well known personalities such as Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, Indian women’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and actor R Madhavan. Several doctors, teachers, social workers and grassroots innovators have also been honoured for their dedicated service to society.
This year’s list includes 19 women awardees, six persons of Indian origin living abroad and 16 posthumous awards. Awardees come from different states, highlighting the diversity of contributions from across the country.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are given in three categories Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards will be presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year.