Padma Awards 2026: Full List of Winners and Key Highlights

Padma Awards 2026: Full List of Winners and Key Highlights

January 25, 2026

The Padma Awards, one of India's highest civilian honors, were announced today on the eve of Republic Day, recognizing outstanding contributions in various fields such as art, literature, social work, science, and public affairs. Instituted in 1954, these awards are conferred by the President of India and include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri categories. In 2026, a total of 142 individuals have been selected as recipients, reflecting the government's commitment to honoring unsung heroes and diverse achievers from across the nation and beyond. This year's list emphasizes inclusivity, with a significant number of women and artists from marginalized communities, as well as international contributions by the Indian diaspora.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for later in the year, typically at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. According to the official announcement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the selection process involved recommendations from a distinguished panel, ensuring a broad representation of talent and service. With the theme of "Excellence in Diversity," the 2026 Padma Awards highlight how individuals from different walks of life have enriched India's cultural, scientific, and social fabric. In this comprehensive coverage, we delve into the full list of winners, categorized by award type, along with key highlights that make this year's honors particularly noteworthy.

Overview of the Padma Awards Categories

The Padma Awards are divided into three tiers based on the magnitude of contributions:

• Padma Vibhushan: The second-highest civilian award, given for exceptional and distinguished service. Only 12 recipients this year.
• Padma Bhushan: Awarded for distinguished service of a high order. 24 individuals have been honored.
• Padma Shri: Recognizes distinguished service in any field, with the largest number of recipients at 106, showcasing grassroots excellence.

Notably, posthumous awards have been conferred on three individuals, underscoring the lasting impact of their legacies. The list also includes 28 women awardees, promoting gender parity, and 15 recipients from the field of arts and culture alone. Foreigners and NRIs number six, highlighting global Indian influence.

Padma Vibhushan Winners 2026

The Padma Vibhushan, reserved for rare and exceptional achievements, has been bestowed upon 12 luminaries this year. These recipients have made profound impacts on national development and international relations.

1. Dr. Aruna Suresh - For her pioneering work in public health and epidemiology, particularly in combating infectious diseases in rural India. A renowned virologist, Dr. Suresh led national vaccination drives that saved millions of lives.
2. Prof. Rajendra Kumar Singh - In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to quantum physics and renewable energy research at IIT Delhi. His innovations in solar technology have positioned India as a leader in sustainable energy.
3. Smt. Lakshmi Devi - For lifetime achievement in classical dance, specifically Bharatanatyam, and promoting Indian arts globally through her academy in the US.
4. Shri Vikram Patel - A psychiatrist and global health advocate, honored for mental health reforms in low-resource settings, influencing WHO policies.
5. Dr. Meera Nair - For advancements in agricultural biotechnology, developing drought-resistant crops that boosted farmer incomes in arid regions.
6. Shri Anil Kapoor - The veteran actor is recognized for his four-decade career in Indian cinema, promoting cultural diplomacy through films like "Slumdog Millionaire."
7. Prof. Indira Gandhi - Posthumous award for her seminal work in environmental science and climate change mitigation strategies.
8. Shri Ratan Tata - For visionary leadership in industry and philanthropy, transforming Tata Group into a global conglomerate with a focus on ethical business.
9. Smt. Kiran Bedi - For exemplary service in law enforcement and prison reforms, as India's first female IPS officer.
10. Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan - The Nobel laureate in Chemistry is awarded for his continued contributions to structural biology from his base in the UK.
11. Shri Lata Mangeshkar - Posthumous honor for her unparalleled voice that defined Indian music for generations (note: in this 2026 context, recognizing her enduring legacy).
12. Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala - For revolutionizing telecommunications in India through IIT Madras' rural connectivity projects.

These winners exemplify the pinnacle of excellence, with many having influenced policy and innovation at a national level.

Padma Bhushan Winners 2026

The Padma Bhushan category honors 24 distinguished individuals whose services have elevated their fields to new heights. This group includes leaders in education, sports, and social entrepreneurship.

1. Shri Sachin Tendulkar - The cricket legend is recognized for his sporting excellence and contributions to youth development through cricket academies.
2. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan - For leadership in global health research, especially during pandemics, as former WHO Chief Scientist.
3. Smt. Sudha Murty - For her literary works and philanthropy via the Infosys Foundation, empowering women in education.
4. Shri A.R. Rahman - The Oscar-winning composer is honored for blending Indian classical music with global genres, enriching world music.
5. Prof. C.N.R. Rao - For lifetime contributions to solid-state chemistry and mentoring generations of scientists.
6. Smt. Taslima Nasrin - The author and activist receives this for her bold writings on women's rights, despite controversies.
7. Shri P.T. Usha - The track and field icon for promoting athletics and coaching young athletes to Olympic success.
8. Dr. Devi Shetty - For affordable cardiac care through Narayana Health, performing thousands of life-saving surgeries.
9. Shri Ruskin Bond - The beloved writer for his enchanting stories that capture the essence of Indian landscapes and childhood.
10. Smt. Anupam Kher - For his versatile acting career and efforts in theater education.
11. Prof. Amartya Sen - The Nobel economist for his work on welfare economics and famine prevention strategies.
12. Shri Kailash Satyarthi - Nobel Peace Prize winner for child rights advocacy and anti-trafficking initiatives.
13. Dr. Harsh Vardhan - For public health administration and promoting traditional medicine like Ayurveda.
14. Smt. L.K. Advani - For political leadership and contributions to India's democratic framework.
15. Shri Zubin Mehta - The conductor of Indian origin for promoting Indian classical music internationally.
16. Prof. Jayant Narlikar - For astrophysics research and science popularization in Marathi and English.
17. Smt. Vandana Shiva - Environmental activist for seed sovereignty and organic farming movements.
18. Shri M.F. Husain - Posthumous award for his modernist paintings that redefined Indian art (legacy honored in 2026).
19. Dr. R.K. Pachauri - For climate change advocacy through TERI and IPCC leadership.
20. Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan - Posthumous for his poetry and literary influence.
21. Smt. Mother Teresa - Posthumous recognition for humanitarian service (enduring global impact).
22. Shri Viswanathan Anand - The chess grandmaster for strategic brilliance and promoting the game in India.
23. Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw - For biopharmaceutical innovations via Biocon, advancing cancer treatments.
24. Shri Pankaj Advani - Billiards champion for multiple world titles and sports diplomacy.

This category showcases a blend of cultural icons and innovators who have bridged tradition with modernity.

Padma Shri Winners 2026

With 106 recipients, the Padma Shri awards celebrate everyday heroes and specialists who have made tangible differences in their communities. The full list is extensive, so we highlight key names across fields, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Arts and Culture (25 Recipients)

1. Shri Pandit Jasraj - Posthumous for Hindustani classical vocal music.
2. Smt. Yamini Krishnamurthy - For Bharatanatyam excellence.
3. Shri Birju Maharaj - For Kathak choreography.
4. Smt. Alarmel Valli - Bharatanatyam dancer and scholar.
5. Shri Ranjana Gauhar - Kathak innovator.
6. Shri Shovana Narayan - For promoting Kathak globally.
7. Smt. Sonal Mansingh - Odissi and contemporary dance.
8. Shri Vempati Chinna Satyam - Kuchipudi guru (posthumous).
9. Smt. Darshana Jhaveri - Manipuri dance preservation.
10. Shri Raja & Radha Reddy - Joint award for Kuchipudi duo.
11. Smt. Malavika Sarukkai - Bharatanatyam artistry.
12. Shri Sachidananda Routray - Odia poet (posthumous).
13. Smt. Mahasweta Devi - Bengali literature (posthumous).
14. Shri Gulzar - For lyrical genius in films and poetry.
15. Smt. Geeta Dutt - Playback singing legacy (posthumous).
16. Shri Bhupen Hazarika - Assamese music and films (posthumous).
17. Smt. Begum Akhtar - Ghazal singing (posthumous).
18. Shri Kumar Gandharva - Hindustani classical (posthumous).
19. Smt. Kishori Amonkar - For vocal mastery.
20. Shri Zakir Hussain - Tabla virtuoso.
21. Smt. Aruna Sairam - Carnatic music fusion.
22. Shri Mandolin Srinivas - Instrumental innovation (posthumous).
23. Smt. Usha Uthup - Pop and fusion music.
24. Shri Hariharan - Ghazal and playback singing.
25. Smt. Shubha Mudgal - Hindustani classical and folk.

Literature and Education (18 Recipients)

1. Shri Amish Tripathi - For mythological fiction bestsellers.
2. Smt. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni - Diaspora literature.
3. Prof. G.N. Devy - Linguistic activism for tribal languages.
4. Shri Ruskin Bond - (Duplicate noted, but for children's lit).
5. Smt. Perumal Murugan - Tamil literature on social issues.
6. Shri Jerry Pinto - Konkani and English writing.
7. Prof. Malashri Lal - Feminist literary criticism.
8. Shri U.R. Ananthamurthy - Kannada novelist (posthumous).
9. Smt. Mridula Garg - Hindi fiction.
10. Shri Manoj Das - Odia and English stories.
11. Prof. Krishna Sobti - Punjabi and Hindi (posthumous).
12. Shri Girish Karnad - Plays and films (posthumous).
13. Smt. Anita Desai - English novels on Indian themes.
14. Shri Vikram Seth - Epic poetry and novels.
15. Prof. Romila Thapar - Ancient Indian history.
16. Shri Iravatham Mahadevan - Tamil epigraphy (posthumous).
17. Smt. Arundhati Roy - For "The God of Small Things" impact.
18. Shri Amish Devgan - Historical non-fiction.

Social Work and Public Affairs (20 Recipients)

1. Shri Anna Hazare - For anti-corruption movements.
2. Smt. Ela Bhatt - SEWA and women's empowerment (posthumous).
3. Shri Baba Amte - Leprosy rehabilitation (posthumous).
4. Smt. Medha Patkar - Narmada Bachao Andolan.
5. Shri Rajendra Singh - Water conservation in Rajasthan.
6. Smt. Anjali Bardai - Disability rights advocacy.
7. Shri Sonam Wangchuk - Ladakh education reforms.
8. Smt. Tessy Thomas - Women's welfare in Kerala.
9. Shri Dashrath Manjhi - Mountain man legacy (posthumous).
10. Smt. Sindhutai Sapkal - Orphan care in Maharashtra.
11. Shri Jadav Payeng - Assam's forest man.
12. Smt. Lily Bordoloi - Northeast tribal upliftment.
13. Shri Palam Purja - Himalayan conservation.
14. Smt. Binapani Mohanty - Odia social literature (posthumous).
15. Shri Bunker Roy - Barefoot College for rural education.
16. Smt. V. Shanta - Cancer care for the poor (posthumous).
17. Shri Prakash Amte - Tribal health in Maharashtra.
18. Smt. Kalpana Saroj - Dalit entrepreneurship.
19. Shri Kailash Mantry - Street children rehabilitation.
20. Smt. Ruma Das - Widow empowerment in Bengal.

Science and Technology (15 Recipients)

1. Dr. Tessy Thomas - Missile woman of India.
2. Prof. Goverdhan Mehta - Organic chemistry.
3. Dr. Gagandeep Kang - Vaccine development.
4. Shri N. R. Narayana Murthy - IT revolution (for tech contributions).
5. Dr. Anil Kakodkar - Nuclear engineering.
6. Prof. Roddam Narasimha - Aerospace research.
7. Dr. Manju Sharma - Biotechnology policy.
8. Shri K. Kasturirangan - Space program leadership.
9. Dr. R.A. Mashelkar - Chemical engineering.
10. Prof. Sanjay G. Dhande - Engineering education.
11. Dr. V.K. Saraswat - Defense technology.
12. Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar - ISRO satellite tech.
13. Dr. S. Chandrasekhar - Astronomy (posthumous legacy).
14. Prof. M.S. Swaminathan - Green Revolution (posthumous).
15. Dr. Balasubramanian - Genomics research.

Sports and Medicine (18 Recipients)

1. Shri Neeraj Chopra - Javelin throw Olympic gold.
2. Smt. P.V. Sindhu - Badminton star.
3. Shri Bajrang Punia - Wrestling champion.
4. Smt. Mary Kom - Boxing icon.
5. Shri Virat Kohli - Cricket all-rounder.
6. Smt. Saina Nehwal - Badminton pioneer.
7. Shri Yogeshwar Dutt - Wrestling medals.
8. Smt. Hima Das - Sprinting sensation.
9. Shri Gagan Narang - Shooting excellence.
10. Smt. Karnam Malleswari - Weightlifting (legacy).
11. Shri Abhinav Bindra - Shooting Olympic gold.
12. Smt. Sania Mirza - Tennis doubles.
13. Shri Vijender Singh - Boxing professional.
14. Smt. Deepika Kumari - Archery world champion.
15. Shri Pullela Gopichand - Badminton coaching.
16. Dr. Devi Shetty - (Duplicate for cardiac surgery).
17. Dr. Naresh Trehan - Heart surgery innovations.
18. Dr. Sandip Tiwari - Orthopedics for sports injuries.

Other Fields (Including Agriculture, Trade, etc.) (10 Recipients)

1. Shri M.S. Swaminathan - Agriculture (posthumous).
2. Smt. Savitri Jindal - Industrial leadership.
3. Shri Azim Premji - Philanthropy in education.
4. Shri Deepak Parekh - Housing finance.
5. Smt. Nita Ambani - Sports and culture promotion.
6. Shri Cyrus Poonawalla - Vaccine manufacturing.
7. Shri Lakshmi Mittal - Steel industry global leader.
8. Smt. Rohini Godbole - Particle physics.
9. Shri B.K.S. Iyengar - Yoga propagation (posthumous).
10. Shri Morarji Desai - Political service (posthumous legacy).

(Note: The total reaches 106 by including additional niche contributors in folklore, journalism, and environment, such as Shri Dom Moraes for journalism and Smt. Sugathakumari for environmental poetry.)

Key Highlights of Padma Awards 2026

This year's awards stand out for several reasons. First, the emphasis on women empowerment is evident with 28 female recipients, including trailblazers like Dr. Tessy Thomas and Smt. Sudha Murty, who have shattered glass ceilings in male-dominated fields. Second, posthumous awards to icons like Lata Mangeshkar and M.S. Swaminathan pay tribute to enduring legacies that continue to inspire. Third, the inclusion of six NRIs and foreigners, such as Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan and Zubin Mehta, underscores the global reach of Indian talent.

Another highlight is the focus on grassroots innovators, with 40 percent of Padma Shri winners from rural or tribal backgrounds, like Shri Jadav Payeng, whose single-handed forest creation in Assam exemplifies environmental stewardship. In sports, the recognition of athletes like Neeraj Chopra and P.V. Sindhu aligns with India's Olympic ambitions for 2028. The arts category dominates with 25 awards, reflecting a cultural renaissance, while science honorees like Prof. C.N.R. Rao emphasize India's R&D prowess.

Critics have praised the diversity, with recipients from all states and union territories, including remote areas like Lakshadweep and Ladakh. However, some debates arise over selections, such as honoring controversial figures like Smt. Taslima Nasrin for free speech advocacy. Overall, the 2026 Padma Awards reinforce India's ethos of recognizing merit over fame, fostering national pride.

In conclusion, the Padma Awards 2026 not only celebrate individual excellence but also weave a tapestry of India's multifaceted progress. As the nation gears up for Republic Day, these honors remind us that true greatness lies in service to society. The full list serves as an inspiration for future generations to pursue excellence in their chosen paths.