Padma Awards 2026 Celebrate Excellence Across Arts, Public Life and Social Service
The Padma Awards 2026 , announced on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day , have recognised 131 individuals for distinguished contributions across diverse fields including public affairs, arts, literature, education, medicine, science, and social work. The list reflects a conscious balance between nationally celebrated personalities and lesser-known grassroots contributors, reinforcing the government’s stated emphasis on honouring “unsung heroes”.
Strong Presence of Cinema and Music Legends
Indian cinema and music feature prominently in this year’s honours. Veteran actor Dharmendra has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan , India’s second-highest civilian award, acknowledging his iconic legacy in Hindi cinema. Mammootty , a towering figure in Malayalam cinema, has received the Padma Bhushan for his enduring contribution to Indian films. Legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik has also been conferred the Padma Bhushan , recognising her decades-long influence on Indian music.
Among Padma Shri recipients, actor R Madhavan has been honoured for his contribution to cinema and cultural outreach, further underlining the arts’ strong representation in the 2026 list.
Distribution of Padma Awards 2026
As per the official notification approved by President Droupadi Murmu , the Padma Awards 2026 include:
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5 Padma Vibhushan
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13 Padma Bhushan
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113 Padma Shri
Two duo cases are counted as a single award, as per established norms. A total of 16 awards are posthumous , reflecting recognition of lifetime contributions.
Women account for 19 awardees , while six recipients are foreign nationals, NRIs, PIOs, or OCIs, indicating efforts to broaden social and international representation.
Posthumous Honours Beyond the Arts
Apart from entertainment, several prominent public figures have been honoured posthumously. The Padma Vibhushan list includes late Left leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan , as well as Shibu Soren , founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and former Jharkhand Chief Minister. The Padma Bhushan has been posthumously awarded to advertising veteran Piyush Pandey for his transformative impact on brand communication in India. In cinema, actor Satish Shah has been honoured with a Padma Shri posthumously.
Imporatnt Facts for Exams
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Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day
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Three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri
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Padma Vibhushan is India’s second-highest civilian honour
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Posthumous awards are permitted under Padma guidelines
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Duo cases are officially counted as one award
Significance of Padma Honours
Month: Current Affairs - January 26, 2026
Category: Polity & Governance