Key Highlights
- President Droupadi Murmu presented 66 Padma awards on 25 May 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- The distribution comprised 2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan and 58 Padma Shri laureates.
- Prominent dignitaries such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice‑President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended.
- Posthumous Padma Vibhushan was bestowed on film legend Dharmendra, received by his wife Hema Malini.
- Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri recognitions spanned public affairs, art, medicine, trade, sports and more.
Detailed Insights
The inaugural civil investiture for the 2026 Padma cycle unfolded on 25 May within the historic precincts of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Murmu, acting on the advice of the Government, conferred the nation’s second‑, third‑ and fourth‑highest civilian honours to a cross‑section of 66 individuals. The ceremony marked the initial phase of a two‑stage rollout; the remaining 65 awards are slated for a subsequent investiture later in the year.
Among the top‑tier honours, the Padma Vibhushan was awarded to the late Hindi‑film icon Dharmendra Singh Deol for his lifelong impact on Indian cinema, and to eminent violinist Dr N. Rajam for her contributions to Hindustani classical music. Their accolades underscore the state’s recognition of cultural heritage.
Six Padma Bhushan recipients represented a mix of public service and creative pursuits, including Bhagat Singh Koshyari (public affairs), Dr R Ganesh (art), Uday Suresh Kumar Kotak (trade & industry) and Dr Kallipatti Ramasamy Palanisamy (medicine). The 58 Padma Shri awardees spanned a broad spectrum, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur highlighted for her achievements in women’s cricket.
The Padma awards, announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, celebrate exceptional contributions across ten domains: art, literature & education, sports, medicine, science & engineering, public affairs, social work, civil service, trade & industry, and others. For 2026, the total sanctioned count stands at 131: 5 Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan and 113 Shri.