Padma Awards 2026 List: Dharmendra, Mammootty, Rohit Sharma Among 131 Honourees.

 Padma Awards 2026 announced on eve of Republic Day.

                    Padma Awards 2026 Announced on Republic Day Eve: Dharmendra, Mammootty, Rohit Sharma Among Honourees.

            Padma Awards 2026: 131 Achievers Recognised for Exceptional Service Across India.

The Padma Awards 2026 were announced on the eve of India's 77th Republic Day, with President Droupadi Murmu approving a list of 131 awards recognising outstanding contributions across art, medicine, public affairs, sports, literature, education, social work and other fields.

The annual announcement by the Ministry of Home Affairs celebrates both nationally recognised personalities and individuals whose work has made a difference at grassroots level. The 2026 list once again highlights India's diversity, with awardees representing different states, communities and professions.

The honours include 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards, with two duo cases counted as one award each. The list also includes women, posthumous recipients and awardees from Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI categories.

Padma Awards 2026: Key Highlights

The 2026 Padma Awards reflect a broad range of achievements and backgrounds.131 Padma Awards announced.
5 Padma Vibhushan recipients.
13 Padma Bhushan recipients.
113 Padma Shri recipients.
19 women are among the awardees.
16 awards are posthumous.
6 recipients belong to Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI categories.
45 awardees have been described as unsung heroes from grassroots communities.

The selection gives particular attention to people working in remote regions and supporting women, children, persons with disabilities, tribal communities and other marginalised groups.

What Are the Padma Awards?

The Padma Awards are among India's highest civilian honours. They were instituted in 1954 and are announced every year around Republic Day.

The three categories are:
Padma Vibhushan

Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
Padma Bhushan

Given for distinguished service of a high order.
Padma Shri

Awarded for distinguished service in various fields.

Unlike awards based purely on popularity or celebrity status, the Padma Awards cover a remarkably wide range of public contributions. This allows artists, scientists, doctors, athletes, social workers, educators and community leaders to be recognised alongside well-known public figures.

Padma Vibhushan 2026 Recipients

Five individuals received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, including two posthumous honours.
Dharmendra Singh Deol – Art – Maharashtra

Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra was honoured posthumously for his contribution to Indian cinema. With a career spanning several decades, he became one of Hindi cinema's most recognisable personalities.
K T Thomas – Public Affairs – Kerala

Former Supreme Court judge and distinguished jurist K T Thomas was recognised for his contribution to public affairs and the legal field.
N Rajam – Art – Uttar Pradesh

Renowned violinist N Rajam received the honour for her contribution to Hindustani classical music and her exceptional work as a performer and teacher.
P Narayanan – Literature and Education – Kerala

Scholar and educationist P Narayanan was recognised for his contribution to Malayalam literature and education.
V S Achuthanandan – Public Affairs – Kerala

Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran public figure V S Achuthanandan was honoured posthumously for his long public career and contribution to social and political life.

The posthumous recognition of Dharmendra and Achuthanandan added an emotional dimension to this year's announcement, with tributes emerging from the worlds of cinema, politics and public life.

Padma Bhushan 2026: Major Names on the List

The Padma Bhushan category features prominent personalities from arts, medicine, public affairs, social work, sports and industry.

Among the notable recipients are:Alka Yagnik – Art – Maharashtra: Celebrated playback singer with a hugely influential career in Indian music.
Bhagat Singh Koshyari – Public Affairs – Uttarakhand: Former governor and public figure.
Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy – Medicine – Tamil Nadu: Recognised for his contribution to healthcare.
Mammootty – Art – Kerala: One of Malayalam cinema's most celebrated actors and producers.
Dr Nori Dattatreyudu – Medicine – United States: Distinguished oncologist recognised for his contribution to medicine.
Piyush Pandey – Art – Maharashtra: Advertising industry legend, honoured posthumously.
S K M Maeilanandhan – Social Work – Tamil Nadu: Recognised for dedicated work in rural development.
Shatavadhani R Ganesh – Art – Karnataka: Scholar associated with Sanskrit and the avadhana tradition.
Shibu Soren – Public Affairs – Jharkhand: Veteran tribal leader and public figure, honoured posthumously.
Uday Kotak – Trade and Industry – Maharashtra: Banker and business leader.
V K Malhotra – Public Affairs – Delhi: Recognised posthumously for his contribution to public life.
Vellappally Natesan – Public Affairs – Kerala: Social reformer.
Vijay Amritraj – Sports – United States: Former tennis star, sports promoter and philanthropist.

Mammootty's recognition was particularly significant for Malayalam cinema fans, while Alka Yagnik's honour resonated strongly with generations of music lovers. Vijay Amritraj's inclusion also highlighted India's sporting influence beyond cricket.

Padma Shri 2026: Spotlight on Unsung Heroes

The 113 Padma Shri awards form the largest category and include achievers from a wide variety of fields.

The list includes prominent sporting personalities such as Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Savita Punia, alongside artists, doctors, educators, social workers and community leaders.

Other notable names mentioned in the list include Sivasankari, Prof Shafi Shauq, Dr Padma Gurmet, Dr Prateek Sharma, Techi Gubin and Budhri Tati.

The diversity of the Padma Shri list demonstrates that extraordinary achievement is not restricted to major cities or famous institutions. Many recipients have spent years working in remote or challenging environments, often with limited resources.

Padma Awards 2026 Announced on Republic Day Eve: Honoring 131 Achievers Including Dharmendra, Mammootty, and Unsung Heroes.

                    On the eve of India's 77th Republic Day, January 25, 2026, the nation witnessed a moment of profound recognition as President Droupadi Murmu approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards.

            This annual tradition, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, celebrates exceptional contributions across diverse fields, embodying the spirit of 'Viksit Bharat' – a developed and inclusive India. The awards, one of the country's highest civilian honors, were revealed amid preparations for the grand parade at Kartavya Path, underscoring themes of national pride, self-reliance, and service to society.

The 2026 list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, including two duo cases (counted as one each). Notably, 19 awardees are women, 6 are from Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI categories, and 16 are posthumous.

A strong emphasis was placed on 45 unsung heroes – grassroots workers from marginalized communities, Dalits, backward sections, primitive tribes, and remote terrains. These individuals have dedicated decades to social work, literature, education, healthcare, public service, community welfare, sustainability, and livelihoods, particularly serving Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), women, children, Dalits, and tribal communities.

The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. Instituted in 1954, these awards have evolved to reflect India's pluralistic society, honoring not just luminaries but also quiet contributors who embody Gandhian ideals of service.

Padma Vibhushan Recipients: The Highest Honor

The prestigious Padma Vibhushan was awarded to five individuals, two posthumously:

Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) - Art - Maharashtra The legendary Bollywood actor, known for iconic films like Sholay and Dharam Veer, passed away in 2025. His career spanning over six decades made him a household name, symbolizing charisma and versatility in Indian cinema.

Shri K T Thomas - Public Affairs - Kerala A distinguished jurist and former Supreme Court judge, recognized for his contributions to legal reforms and public service.
Ms. N Rajam - Art - Uttar Pradesh Renowned violinist, celebrated for her mastery in Hindustani classical music.

Shri P Narayanan - Literature and Education - Kerala Eminent scholar and educationist, contributing to Malayalam literature and academic excellence.
Shri V S Achuthanandan (Posthumous) - Public Affairs - Kerala Former Chief Minister and CPM veteran, remembered for his unwavering commitment to people's welfare, land reforms, and anti-corruption drives.

Dharmendra and Achuthanandan's posthumous honors added an emotional layer, with tributes pouring in from across the political and cultural spectrum. Dharmendra's family expressed gratitude, noting it as a fitting tribute to his legacy.

Padma Bhushan: Distinguished Service of High Order

Thirteen recipients in this category highlight excellence in arts, medicine, public affairs, and more:

Ms. Alka Yagnik - Art - Maharashtra: Melodious playback singer with thousands of songs, her voice has defined generations of Indian music.
Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari - Public Affairs - Uttarakhand: Former Governor and politician, known for his contributions to education and governance.

Shri Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy - Medicine - Tamil Nadu: Pioneering work in healthcare.

Shri Mammootty - Art - Kerala: Malayalam cinema superstar, actor, and producer with a career full of critically acclaimed performances.

Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu - Medicine - United States: Renowned oncologist, advancing cancer treatment globally.

Shri Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) - Art - Maharashtra: Advertising legend, creator of iconic campaigns.

Shri S K M Maeilanandhan - Social Work - Tamil Nadu: Dedicated to rural development.

Shri Shatavadhani R Ganesh - Art - Karnataka: Scholar in Sanskrit and avadhana art.

Shri Shibu Soren (Posthumous) - Public Affairs - Jharkhand: Tribal leader and former CM, advocate for Jharkhand statehood.

Shri Uday Kotak - Trade and Industry - Maharashtra: Banker and industry leader.
Shri V K Malhotra (Posthumous) - Public Affairs - Delhi: Contributor to public life.
Shri Vellappally Natesan - Public Affairs - Kerala: Social reformer.

Shri Vijay Amritraj - Sports - United States: Tennis maestro, promoter of the sport, and philanthropist.

Mammootty's honor was particularly celebrated in South India, where fans lauded his versatility. Alka Yagnik's recognition resonated with music lovers, while Vijay Amritraj's international stature highlighted India's global soft power.

Padma Shri: Celebrating Grassroots Excellence

The bulk of the awards – 113 Padma Shri – include many unsung heroes. Notable mentions:

In Sports: Rohit Sharma (Maharashtra) – Captain of Indian cricket team, leading to World Cup victories; Harmanpreet Kaur (Punjab) – Women's cricket star; Savita Punia (Haryana) – Hockey goalkeeper.

In Art: Prosenjit Chatterjee (West Bengal), Maganti Murali Mohan (Andhra Pradesh), and international figures like Prof. (Dr.) Lars-Christian Koch (Germany).
Duo awards: Gayatri and Ranjani Balasubramanian (Art, Tamil Nadu); Ramchandra and Suneeta Godbole (Medicine, Chhattisgarh).

Medicine: Dr. Padma Gurmet (Ladakh), Dr. Prateek Sharma (USA).
Social Work: Many from tribal and remote areas, like Techi Gubin (Arunachal Pradesh), Budhri Tati (Chhattisgarh).

Literature/Education: Sivasankari (Tamil Nadu), Prof. Shafi Shauq (J&K).
Others: Swami Brahmdev Ji Maharaj (Rajasthan, Spiritualism); Sant Niranjan Dass (Punjab).

The list features contributors from all states, promoting regional diversity. For instance, in Northeast, Haricharan Saikia (Assam, Art) and Pokhila Lekthepi (Assam, Art) represent cultural preservation. In Ladakh, Dr. Padma Gurmet's work in remote healthcare exemplifies service in difficult terrains.

This year's focus on sustainability, education, and community welfare aligns with national priorities like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and women's empowerment. Posthumous awards honor legacies that continue to inspire, such as those in agriculture (Raghupat Singh) and animal husbandry.

Historical Context and Significance

Since 1954, Padma Awards have been announced on Republic Day eve, conferred later at Rashtrapati Bhavan. They complement the Bharat Ratna, with no fixed quotas but emphasis on merit and service. Over decades, they've recognized icons like Satyajit Ray (posthumous Vibhushan) and unsung figures like sanitation workers during COVID.

In 2026, amid India's G20 presidency echoes and global challenges, the awards reinforce unity in diversity. President Murmu's approval reflects the constitutional ethos of fraternity and equality.

Social media buzzed with congratulations, from PM Modi to celebrities. Rohit Sharma's fans celebrated his 'Hitman' legacy alongside sports honors like Vladimer Mestvirishvili (posthumous, Georgia).

Impact on Society and Future Outlook

These awards motivate younger generations, especially with youth like in sports and tech. The inclusion of NRIs/foreigners strengthens diaspora ties.

As Republic Day 2026 unfolds, with European leaders as guests, the Padma announcements set a tone of cultural and humanitarian excellence. The ceremonies in March/April will see recipients felicitated, often becoming role models.

The 2026 Padma Awards encapsulate India's journey: from celebrating superstars to uplifting the marginalized, fostering a nation where every contribution counts toward collective progress.

FAQs About Padma Awards 2026

When were the Padma Awards 2026 announced?

The Padma Awards 2026 were announced on 25 January 2026, on the eve of India's Republic Day.

How many Padma Awards were announced in 2026?

A total of 131 Padma Awards were announced.

How many Padma Vibhushan awards were announced?

There were five Padma Vibhushan awards in the 2026 list.

Who received the Padma Bhushan in 2026?

The Padma Bhushan list includes notable personalities such as Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, Uday Kotak and Vijay Amritraj, among others.

Was Dharmendra given a Padma Award in 2026?

Yes. Dharmendra was included among the Padma Vibhushan recipients posthumously.

Did Rohit Sharma receive a Padma Award in 2026?

Rohit Sharma was included among the notable Padma Shri recipients listed in the article.

What is the highest Padma Award?

The Padma Vibhushan is the highest of the three Padma Awards.

When were the Padma Awards instituted?

The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954.

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