India celebrated excellence across cinema, music, sports, social work, and traditional arts as President Droupadi Murmu presented the first batch of Padma Awards 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The ceremony honored 66 distinguished personalities, part of the 131 Padma Awards announced earlier in January this year. The prestigious civilian honors include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, recognizing extraordinary contributions in diverse fields.
From legendary Bollywood icon Dharmendra to cricket stars Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma, the event highlighted the government’s continued focus on honoring both celebrated figures and grassroots contributors shaping India’s cultural and social identity.
Emotional Tribute as Dharmendra Receives Padma Vibhushan
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when veteran actor Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.
The award was accepted on his behalf by actor and BJP MP Hema Malini, drawing loud applause inside the ceremonial hall.
Dharmendra, whose film career spans over six decades, remains one of Indian cinema’s most beloved stars. His contribution to Hindi cinema through iconic films and enduring popularity earned praise from political leaders and film personalities alike.
Padma Awards Continue Celebrating Diverse Excellence
The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors and recognize achievements across fields including art, literature, education, sports, medicine, science, public affairs, and social work.
This year’s awardees reflected a broad mix of internationally recognized personalities and lesser-known grassroots heroes who have dedicated decades to preserving Indian traditions and serving communities.
Government officials noted that the awards increasingly focus on unsung contributors from remote regions and traditional disciplines.
Music Legends Among Major Honorees
Several renowned artists from Indian music were honored during the ceremony.
Celebrated classical violinist N. Rajam received recognition for her immense contribution to Indian classical music and the preservation of the Banaras Gharana tradition.
Popular playback singer Alka Yagnik was also honored for her decades-long influence on Indian film music. With thousands of songs across multiple languages, Alka Yagnik remains one of the most recognizable voices in Indian entertainment history.
Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty was another major awardee, recognized for his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema over several decades.
Indian Sports Stars Shine at Ceremony
Sports personalities featured prominently among the Padma award recipients this year.
Indian women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur received her honor after leading India to a historic Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph in 2025, a victory many experts described as transformational for women’s cricket in the country.
Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma was also recognized for his leadership and achievements in international cricket.
Meanwhile, veteran hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia was honored for her long-standing contribution to Indian women’s hockey and her role in elevating the team’s global competitiveness.
Recognition Reflects India’s Sporting Rise
Sports analysts believe the inclusion of major athletes reflects India’s growing ambitions as a global sporting nation.
Over the past decade, Indian athletes have achieved success in cricket, hockey, badminton, wrestling, athletics, and Olympic events. Experts say honoring sports figures at national civilian ceremonies helps inspire younger generations to pursue professional athletics.
Government leaders also emphasized the importance of recognizing women athletes who have played a key role in changing perceptions around sports participation in India.
Silambam Master’s Gesture Captures National Attention
When traditional Silambam master K. Pajanivel got the Padma Shri for conserving the old Tamil martial art, it was one of the ceremony’s most talked-about moments.
After accepting the award, Pajanivel prostrated before Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a deeply emotional gesture that quickly went viral on social media.
Silambam, believed to be over 5,000 years old, is one of India’s oldest martial art traditions originating in Tamil Nadu. Pajanivel has spent decades teaching and preserving the art form at the grassroots level.
Many cultural historians praised the recognition, saying it highlighted India’s growing efforts to protect indigenous art and martial traditions.
Modi and Amit Shah Praise “Grassroots Heroes”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah both praised the Padma Awards for increasingly recognizing individuals working quietly in local communities.
In statements following the ceremony, leaders described the awardees as sources of inspiration for the nation.
Modi especially highlighted how the awards now celebrate ordinary citizens making extraordinary contributions in villages, tribal communities, and regional cultural spaces.
Political observers noted that recent Padma Awards have consistently shifted focus toward lesser-known contributors alongside established public figures.
Full List of Major Awardees at the Ceremony
Among the prominent personalities honored during the first Padma Awards ceremony of 2026 were:
- Dharmendra
- N. Rajam
- Alka Yagnik
- Mammootty
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Rohit Sharma
- Savita Punia
- K. Pajanivel
The remaining awardees represented fields including medicine, tribal arts, literature, education, environmental conservation, and social service.
Why the Padma Awards Continue to Matter
The Padma Awards remain one of India’s most influential symbols of national recognition.
Experts believe the awards not only celebrate achievement but also help preserve India’s cultural diversity by honoring contributions across languages, traditions, and professions.
The ceremony also reflects changing national priorities, where achievements in regional arts, grassroots innovation, women’s empowerment, and social development are receiving greater visibility.
Conclusion
The first Padma Awards ceremony of 2026 showcased a powerful mix of celebrity recognition and grassroots inspiration.
From Dharmendra’s emotional Padma Vibhushan honor to K. Pajanivel’s viral moment celebrating India’s ancient traditions, the event highlighted the wide spectrum of talent and dedication shaping modern India.
As the country continues to evolve socially, culturally, and globally, the Padma Awards remain a reminder that excellence can emerge from film studios, sports stadiums, rural villages, and centuries-old traditions alike.
