President Draupadi Murmu on Monday conferred the Padma Awards 2026 during the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavanformally honouring distinguished personalities from fields including art, public affairs, sports, medicine, literature, social work and trade.
The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra ModiVice President Jagdeep DhankharUnion ministers and senior dignitaries, marked the presentation of some of India’s highest civilian honours to achievers from across the country.
Congratulating the recipients, PM Modi praised their contribution to society and nation-building. In a message shared on social media platform X and the Prime Minister’s official website, Modi said the awardees had inspired generations through their excellence, dedication and service.
“The Padma awardees have enriched society with their work and achievements. Their contribution continues to inspire countless people across India,” the Prime Minister stated.
This year, the Government of India announced a total of 131 Padma Awards for 2026, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri honours. The Padma Awards are among the country’s most prestigious civilian recognitions and are announced annually around Republic Day. (mha.gov.in)
Prominent Padma Awards 2026 recipients
Padma Vibhushan
- Dharmendra (Posthumous) – Art
- VS Achuthanandan (Posthumous) – Public Affairs
- Zakir Hussain – Art
Padma Bhushan
- Rohit Sharma – Sports
- Mammootty – Art
- Alka Yagnik – Art
- Uday Kotak – Trade and Industry
- Vijay Amritraj – Sports
Padma Shri
- Sharda Sinha – Art
- Harvinder Singh – Sports
- Stephen Knapp – Literature and Education
The Padma Awards ceremony is part of the annual Civil Investiture programme through which the President formally presents honours to recipients selected for exceptional achievement and public service. Over the years, the awards have increasingly recognised grassroots innovators, tribal artists, social workers and lesser-known contributors alongside nationally celebrated personalities.
Officials said the 2026 award list reflected India’s diversity and acknowledged excellence across multiple sectors, reinforcing the importance of contribution to society and national development.
The remaining award recipients are expected to be honoured in subsequent investiture ceremonies scheduled in the coming weeks.
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