On the eve of Republic Day 2026, the Government of India unveiled the Padma Awards 2026, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours that recognise outstanding contributions across a wide range of fields. These awards honour individuals from all walks of life who have demonstrated excellence and long-term impact in arts, literature, social service, medicine, education, public service, and more.
The prestigious honours will be formally conferred by the President of India at a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year, continuing a tradition of celebrating exemplary contributions to national life.
Padma Shri 2026 Recognises 45 Unsung Heroes
This year’s honours place strong emphasis on recognising “unsung heroes”, individuals whose work has deeply impacted local communities and national life without widespread public attention. Around 45 people have been named for the Padma Shri award under this category, representing diverse regions and fields.
Among the awardees are educators, civil servants, artists, and social workers who have spent decades serving others:
- Anke Gowda (Karnataka) – Literature & Education
- Armida Fernandes (Maharashtra) – Social Service
- Charan Hembram (Odisha) – Literature & Education
- Mohan Nagar (Madhya Pradesh) – Environmentalist
- Brij Lal Bhat (Jammu & Kashmir) – Social Work
- Chiranji Lal Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) – Public Service
- R Krishnan (Tamil Nadu) – Art
- Raghupat Singh (Uttar Pradesh) – Agriculture
- Hally War (Meghalaya) – Social Work
- Inderjit Singh Sidhu (Chandigarh) – Social Work
- Dr Shyam Sundar (Uttar Pradesh) – Medicine
… and many more across disciplines whose names reflect the spirit of service away from the limelight.
What Are the Padma Awards and How Are They Decided?
The Padma Awards comprise three distinct honours: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, with Padma Shri being the fourth-highest civilian award of India. These awards are announced annually on 25 January and cover achievements in all sectors, from arts and science to public affairs and sports.
The President of India has approved conferment of 128 Padma Awards this year.#PadmaAwards#RepublicDay2022
The list is as below – pic.twitter.com/4xf9UHOZ2H
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 25, 2022
Nominations are received from citizens, institutions, and experts through the online Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. A committee appointed by the Prime Minister reviews the recommendations and forwards the final list to the President for approval. The selection process gives special attention to contributions with widespread social impact, sustained excellence, and service to the community.
Celebrating Grassroots Impact Across India
The 2026 Padma Shri recipients include individuals whose life’s work has profoundly touched communities. For example, several awardees are recognised for cultural preservation, social empowerment, public health initiatives, educational outreach, and environmental conservation.
UNSUNG & UNIQUE Padma Awardees (#PeoplesPadma)
Continuing the principle of celebrating Ordinary Indians making Extraordinary Contributions, this year’s Padma Awards recognise a wide spectrum of unsung heroes from across the length and breadth of India. Each awardee represents… pic.twitter.com/zA28HDEfMm
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 25, 2026
These honourees embody the idea that national recognition is not limited to celebrities or high-profile professionals but also extends to those who have dedicated themselves quietly and tirelessly to improving lives.
What the Awards Mean for the Nation
The government’s decision to spotlight unsung heroes this year reflects an ongoing commitment to honour contributions that strengthen the social fabric of the country. Such recognition not only elevates individual achievements but also inspires others to pursue service with integrity and compassion.
In addition to Padma Shri awardees, the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan recipients, representing exceptional service of higher order, will also be part of the 2026 honours, spanning sectors such as judiciary, arts, sports, and public affairs.
Looking Ahead: Investiture Ceremony and Official List
While the current list reflects initial announcements by government sources and media outlets, the final official list of Padma Awardees 2026, including full details and citations, will be published on the government’s official awards portal shortly. Later this year, awardees will be formally presented with their medals at Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President, marking a moment of national pride and celebration.
