Padma Vibhushan Awardees 2026
The Padma Vibhushan, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, was granted posthumously to Dharmendra for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema and to V.S. Achuthanandan for his enduring role in public life and governance in Kerala.
JMM founder Shibu Soren was also honoured posthumously for his lifelong contribution to tribal empowerment and politics. The selection underlines the government’s emphasis on public service and national impact.
Padma Bhushan Honourees: Arts, Politics and Industry
The Padma Bhushan, awarded for distinguished service of a high order, was conferred upon celebrated Malayalam actor Mammootty, playback singer Alka Yagnik, banker and industrialist Uday Kotak, and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari.
Reacting to the honour, Mammootty described the recognition as “unexpected” and said there was “nothing greater than the country honouring one.” Alka Yagnik’s award recognises her decades-long contribution to Indian music, with countless chart-topping songs across languages.
Padma Shri Awards: Spotlight on Sports and Social Impact
Among the Padma Shri recipients, Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and men’s cricketer Rohit Sharma were honoured for their contribution to sports. Actors R. Madhavan and Prosenjit Chatterjee were also named in the Padma Shri list, reflecting cinema’s cultural influence.
Acid attack survivor and social activist Mangala Kapoor was chosen for the Padma Shri for her inspiring work in survivor rehabilitation. Expressing her joy, Kapoor said the honour validated years of struggle and perseverance.
Unsung Heroes and Agricultural Experts Recognised
A significant highlight of the Padma Awards 2026 was the recognition of 45 individuals in the ‘unsung heroes’ category. These included a former bus conductor who established one of the world’s largest free-access libraries and a nonagenarian musician preserving rare musical traditions.
Eight agricultural experts were also honoured for their innovations in sustainable farming and rural development, reflecting the government’s focus on grassroots transformation.
Prime Minister Congratulates Awardees
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated all Padma awardees, stating that their dedication and excellence enriched India’s social fabric. The Padma Awards, announced annually on Republic Day eve, remain among the country’s most prestigious civilian honours.
Earlier in the day, 982 personnel from police, fire, civil defence and correctional services were also awarded gallantry and service medals for their exceptional courage and commitment.
