Padma Awards 2026 announced: 131 honoured across arts, public life, medicine and sport
India has announced the Padma Awards 2026 list, recognising 131 people for distinguished service across a wide range of fields. The honours, cleared by the President and released on the eve of Republic Day, include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri recipients, with notable names spanning public affairs, industry, culture and sport.
- Reporting desk
- Health India Network News Desk
- First published
What was announced
The Government of India has released the Padma Awards 2026 list, approving 131 civilian honours across the three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The announcement came on 25 January 2026, traditionally timed around Republic Day, and highlights work across arts and culture, public affairs, medicine, social service, industry and sport.
According to the official details carried in reports, the 2026 list includes 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards. The total also accounts for duo cases that are treated as single awards under the Padma rules.
Who is being recognised
The list features prominent names from different fields, including political and public life, business and communications, and sport. Reports note that the set of awardees includes women and foreign nationals as well—reflecting the Padma tradition of recognising wide-ranging contributions, including work that has impacted India internationally.
While public attention often focuses on the best-known recipients, the Padma list typically contains many grassroots contributors—teachers, social workers, artisans and community leaders—whose work is less visible but has sustained local impact over years.
When the awards will be given
The Padma Awards are formally conferred by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan later in the year, commonly in March or April. The ceremony is held separately from the announcement, giving time for official processing and invitations.
- Announced: 25 January 2026
- Conferred: typically March–April (later in 2026)
The 2026 Padma list underscores a familiar pattern: high-profile names draw headlines, but the long tail of honourees signals what the state wants to celebrate—public service, excellence, and sustained contribution.