Padma Awards 2026 Full List: Winners, Contributions & Stories

Every year, as the Republic Day of India draws near, the nation waits with bated breath for one of its highest civilian honours — the Padma Awards. A recognition not just of achievement, but of spirit, service, vision and impact, the Padma Awards pay tribute to individuals whose contributions have shaped society, inspired millions and elevated India’s place in the world.

The year 2026 was no different. With 131 distinguished personalities selected across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, this list is a blend of legendary icons, changemakers, cultural torchbearers and grassroots heroes whose work often goes unnoticed yet makes India better every day.

In this blog post, we explore the heart and soul behind these awards — the people, their remarkable journeys, their contributions and why they truly deserve India’s highest civilian honours.

More Than Just a Title

Imagine dedicating your life to perfecting your art, advancing social justice, uplifting marginalized communities or pioneering solutions that change the course of people’s lives — often without fanfare, fame or fortune. The Padma Awards bring such stories to the spotlight.

In 2026, 5 luminaries were selected for Padma Vibhushan (the second highest civilian honour), 13 for Padma Bhushan, and 113 for Padma Shri, spanning fields as diverse as arts, social service, sports, science, medicine, public affairs, and education.

These awards remind us that humility and excellence can — and often do — go hand in hand.

Padma Vibhushan 2026: Legends Beyond Boundaries

The Padma Vibhushan honors “exceptional and distinguished service” across all spheres of life. This year’s honourees are towering personalities whose influence resonates far beyond their fields:

Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) — Cinema Titan

Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025, was conferred the Padma Vibhushan posthumously for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. With a career spanning decades and iconic films that defined an era, Dharmendra’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Bollywood itself.

N. Rajam — Maestro of Indian Classical Music

Violinist N. Rajam elevated Indian classical music on the world stage. Her command of melody and tradition transformed Carnatic and Hindustani music, making her an artist of rare vision.

K.T. Thomas — Jurist of Integrity

A former Supreme Court judge, Thomas devoted his life to upholding justice and constitutional values — a cornerstone of India’s democratic spirit.

P. Narayanan — Literary and Educational Beacon

An eminent author and educator, Narayanan’s work enriched Indian literature and intellectual thought. His writings have inspired generations of learners and scholars.

V.S. Achuthanandan (Posthumous) — Political Stalwart

Veteran leader Achuthanandan’s lifetime of service and dedication to public welfare earned him this highest civilian honour even after his passing, signifying the enduring impact of principled public life.

Padma Bhushan 2026: Distinguished Service of High Order

The Padma Bhushan recognizes individuals who have provided distinguished service of high order — and this year’s list is nothing short of inspiring:

Alka Yagnik — Voice that Defined a Generation

One of India’s most successful playback singers, Yagnik’s voice became an emotional cornerstone in Indian cinema. Her songs continue to evoke nostalgia and admiration across age groups.

Mammootty — Malayalam Cinema Icon

A cinematic powerhouse, Mammootty’s versatility and depth in storytelling have made him a beloved figure in Indian film. His roles have often bridged entertainment with social commentary.

Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) — Advertising Visionary

Pandey revolutionized Indian advertising, blending creativity with cultural resonance. His legacy lives on in memorable campaigns that shaped consumer imagination.

Uday Kotak — Financial Leader

Kotak’s leadership and vision in India’s banking sector helped shape modern financial infrastructure, fostering economic growth and inclusion.

Vijay Amritraj — Tennis Ambassador

A trailblazer in Indian sport, Amritraj not only excelled internationally but also inspired countless athletes back home. This award recognises his enduring contribution to sport and society.

…and many more eminent contributors across fields, each transforming their domain with dedication and brilliance.

Padma Shri 2026: Unsung Yet Unforgettable

The Padma Shri honours individuals whose work — often away from the spotlight — changes lives in profound ways. This year’s awardees include remarkable figures like:

Anke Gowda — Champion of Literacy

Once a bus conductor, Anke Gowda founded ‘Pustak Mane’, one of the world’s largest free access libraries, promoting reading across languages and communities.

Dr. Armida Fernandes — Pioneer of Neonatal Care

Her work in establishing Asia’s first human milk bank has dramatically improved survival outcomes for infants, showcasing medicine’s role in humanitarian service.

Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda — Tribal Music Custodian

At age 90, Dhinda preserves tribal musical traditions through the tarpa, keeping cultural heritage alive.

Mohan Nagar — Environmental Conservationist

His dedication to ecological preservation highlights the vital role individuals play in sustaining our planet.

The full list also includes activists, educators, historians, artists, and social workers whose work enriches communities and strengthens social fabric across India.

What This List Truly Represents

The Padma Awards of 2026 go beyond fame. They celebrate resilience, purpose, impact, and selfless service — from legends whose decades of work shaped industries, to grassroots changemakers whose efforts have transformed local lives. Each story is a reminder that excellence isn’t measured only by accolades, but by the positive difference one makes in the world.

Whether it’s bringing literature to the underprivileged, saving lives through medical innovation, preserving indigenous art forms, or inspiring young minds through sport and culture — these honourees reflect the soul of modern India.

My Perspective: Why These Awards Matter

To me, the beauty of the Padma Awards lies in the diversity of achievement and heart of service they celebrate. When a beloved singer like Alka Yagnik stands beside a humble community worker like Anke Gowda, it tells a powerful story: greatness has no single face or background — it thrives in commitment, compassion, and courage.

These awards don’t just honor individuals — they ignite aspirations in millions and affirm that dedication to a cause can indeed carve a legacy.

FAQs About Padma Awards 2026

Q: What are the Padma Awards?
A: The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours — given in three tiers: Padma Vibhushan (2nd highest), Padma Bhushan (3rd), and Padma Shri (4th). They honour exceptional service across multiple fields.

Q: When are these awards announced and conferred?
A: The Government of India announces the list annually on Republic Day eve (January 25), and the President confers the awards in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, typically in March or April.

Q: Who selects the awardees?
A: A government committee reviews nominations from citizens and institutions, and the President of India gives final approval.

Q: Can non-Indians receive Padma Awards?
A: Yes, foreign citizens and persons of Indian origin (PIO/OCI) can be honoured if their contributions significantly impact India or humanity.

Q: Are Padma Awards given posthumously?
A: Yes. For example, Dharmendra received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2026, underscoring the enduring value of lifelong contributions.

Final Thoughts

The Padma Awards 2026 list is a tapestry of achievement, inspiration, and national pride. It celebrates legends and everyday heroes alike — from cinematic stalwarts and cultural icons to education champions and grassroots innovators. Their stories remind us that service rooted in passion always shines brightest.

These honours reaffirm that while awards recognize achievement, the real legacy lies in impact — in changing lives, lifting communities, preserving culture, and inspiring generations. And in that sense, every Padma awardee of 2026 embodies the very spirit of a rising India.

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Prashant

Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
PopNewsBlend is my way of blending personal journeys with meaningful stories — ones that inform, inspire, and keep you ahead of the curve. Everything I write comes from real observations, hands-on experiences, and a deep passion for understanding the world around us.