India has officially announced the Padma Awards 2026, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, recognising people who have made exceptional contributions across different areas of national life. The President of India has approved a total of 131 Padma Awards this year, celebrating excellence in arts, sports, medicine, social work, and public affairs.
As per the announced list, the Padma Awards for 2026 include 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. The awards were approved ahead of Republic Day, which is when the Padma honourees are traditionally announced every year.
This year’s list stands out for its mix of celebrated icons and grassroots heroes, with notable names from Indian cinema, cricket, music, and community service.
Padma Awards 2026: Full Breakdown of 131 Honours
The Padma Awards are divided into three categories, each representing a different level of recognition:
- Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service)
- Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order)
- Padma Shri (for distinguished service)
For 2026, the total number of honours approved is 131, including:
5 Padma Vibhushan 13 Padma Bhushan 113 Padma Shri
Numerous fields are covered by the awards, such as:
- Arts and culture
- Sports
- Medicine and healthcare
- Social work
- Public affairs and leadership
The list reflects India’s effort to recognise contributions beyond the spotlight, while also honouring those who have shaped the nation’s identity through decades of service.
Dharmendra Named for Padma Vibhushan (Posthumous Recognition)
One of the most talked-about highlights of the Padma Awards 2026 is the honour given to legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
According to the extracted details, the recognition has been granted posthumously, making it an emotional moment for fans across generations. Dharmendra’s impact on Indian cinema has remained unmatched, with a career that has influenced storytelling, stardom, and popular culture for decades.
His inclusion at the very top of the 2026 honours list is being widely seen as a tribute not just to an actor, but to a symbol of Indian entertainment history.
Mammootty Receives Padma Bhushan for Contributions in Art
The Padma Awards 2026 list also honours respected cinema figure Mammootty, who has been named a Padma Bhushan recipient.
Known for his long-standing work in Indian cinema, his recognition falls under contributions to art and culture. His presence in the Padma list highlights how Indian regional cinema continues to gain nationwide respect and appreciation.
For many cinema followers, this award is being seen as a recognition of consistency, talent, and impact that spans generations.
Alka Yagnik Also Honoured with Padma Bhushan
Another prominent personality included in the Padma Awards 2026 list is iconic singer Alka Yagnik, who has received the Padma Bhushan.
Her contribution to Indian music has shaped Bollywood soundtracks for years, and she remains one of the most loved voices in Indian playback history.
With Alka Yagnik being honoured alongside major cinema and sports names, the 2026 list appears to underline India’s strong cultural influence globally especially through music and film.
Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur Receive Padma Shri for Cricket Leadership
Sports fans also have a major reason to celebrate as cricket captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been awarded the Padma Shri.
The recognition is linked to their leadership roles in major cricket successes, acknowledging not only performance but also the responsibility of guiding national teams through high-pressure moments.
Their inclusion sends a strong message about India’s growing focus on honouring sporting leadership, especially as cricket remains one of the most influential sports in the country.
For young players, these honours serve as motivation that leadership and discipline are celebrated at the highest national level.
2026 Padma Awards Highlight Social Workers and Everyday Heroes
While the list includes many famous names, the Padma Awards 2026 also shine a light on people who may not have national fame but have created huge real-world impact.
One such name mentioned in the extracts is 92-year-old Kollakal Devaki Amma G, recognised for her contributions to social work.
This kind of recognition is important because it shows that national honour is not limited to celebrity status. Instead, it highlights that social service, community upliftment, and dedicated grassroots work are equally valuable.
People’s Padma Initiative Brings Public Nominations into the Spotlight
A key detail in the announcement is the continued focus on the public-nominated “People’s Padma” initiative, which encourages nominations for individuals who work quietly but create meaningful change in society.
This approach has helped bring forward inspiring individuals from:
- Rural communities
- Small towns
- Social service organisations
- Traditional art and craft spaces
- Public welfare and education work
By promoting public participation, the government has aimed to make the Padma Awards more inclusive and representative of everyday India.
Padma Awards 2026 List Includes 19 Women Honourees
Gender representation also remains an important part of the Padma Awards 2026 announcement.
This year’s list includes:
19 women recipients
This highlights growing recognition of women achievers in areas like:
- Arts
- Healthcare
- Sports
- Social impact
- Public service
From leadership roles to grassroots contributions, the inclusion of more women reflects a stronger shift toward balanced national recognition.
16 Posthumous Awards Included in 2026 Padma Honours
Another significant feature of the Padma Awards 2026 list is the inclusion of:
16 posthumous awards
This means that several honours have been given to individuals who are no longer alive, recognising the legacy they left behind.
Posthumous awards often carry deep emotional value for families, communities, and supporters. They also preserve the memory of contributions that shaped India’s growth in culture, knowledge, and service.
Six Foreigners or NRIs Recognised in Padma Awards 2026
In another major highlight, the Padma Awards 2026 also include recognition for:
6 foreign nationals or NRIs
This reflects the international connection of Indian culture and contributions, where people outside India or those with global influence have played a role in promoting India’s values, achievements, and heritage worldwide.
It also shows how India continues to honour excellence beyond borders, especially when contributions align with national pride and global representation.
Read More: Uttar Pradesh Day 2026: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Among Honorees of Gaurav Samman Awards
Grassroots Pride: Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges Get Special Mention
The extracted information also mentions recognition for those preserving Meghalaya’s living root bridges, which are globally admired for their natural beauty, sustainability, and cultural importance.
These living bridges, created through traditional knowledge and community effort, represent India’s unique heritage and ecological wisdom. Their mention in the Padma narrative highlights how India is increasingly recognising environmental and cultural conservation alongside modern achievements.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also quoted in the extract praising such grassroots heroes for their dedication and commitment.
Why Padma Awards Matter More Than Ever in 2026
The Padma Awards are more than ceremonial honours. They represent India’s way of saying that excellence is not limited to one profession, one city, or one identity.
The Padma Awards 2026 list proves that national pride can come from:
- A film legend who shaped cinema
- A singer whose voice touched generations
- A sportsperson who led historic wins
- A social worker who served silently for decades
- Communities preserving culture and nature
In today’s fast-changing world, these awards remind the country that real contribution big or small deserves respect.
Final Words
With 131 Padma Awards approved for 2026, India has once again brought together a powerful blend of talent, service, leadership, and legacy. From entertainment icons like Dharmendra, Mammootty, and Alka Yagnik to sports leaders like Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, and inspiring grassroots names like Kollakal Devaki Amma G, the 2026 Padma Awards list reflects the spirit of a diverse and driven nation.
As the award ceremony approaches, the announcement has already sparked pride and celebration across India showing that dedication, excellence, and impact will always be honoured.
