"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
27 Jan 2026
In India, the Padma Awards are more than medals; they are dreams. For countless citizens across villages, towns, and cities, the thought of being recognised by the nation for one’s life’s work carries deep emotional meaning. Winning a Padma Award is not about fame or wealth; it is about service, dedication, and impact that transcends personal success. Each year on Republic Day, when the list is announced, it tells a powerful story of India itself diverse, resilient, and driven by individuals who choose contribution over applause.
For 2026, the President of India has approved 131 Padma Awards, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, recognising excellence across art, public affairs, science, medicine, literature, sports, social work, civil service, and industry. Among them are 19 women awardees, 16 posthumous honours, and six recipients from the foreign/NRI/OCI category, reflecting the global and inclusive spirit of modern India.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually in March or April. What sets the Padma Awards apart is their reach. They celebrate not only national icons but also unsung heroes—teachers, folk artists, scientists, doctors, farmers, social reformers, and sportspersons—whose work may never trend online but has transformed lives on the ground.
The Padma Vibhushan awardees this year represent towering contributions across art, literature, and public life. Legendary actor Dharmendra Singh Deol, honoured posthumously, symbolised an era of Hindi cinema that blended simplicity with stardom. Classical violin maestro N Rajam stands as a beacon of Indian classical music, inspiring generations with discipline and grace. Former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandhan, also honoured posthumously, is remembered for his uncompromising stand on governance and public welfare. Jurist K T Thomas and scholar P Narayanan add intellectual depth to the list, reminding the nation that ideas and integrity shape history as much as power does.
The Padma Bhushan list for 2026 features names instantly recognisable across India. Playback singer Alka Yagnik, whose voice became the soundtrack of millions of lives, is honoured for her immense contribution to Indian music. Actor Mammootty, a pillar of Indian cinema, is recognised for his artistic depth and decades-long influence. Former diplomat and public figure Bhagat Singh Koshyari, industrial leader Uday Kotak, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, and advertising visionary Piyush Pandey (posthumous) represent excellence across governance, business, sports, and creative communication. Their journeys show how sustained commitment over decades creates national impact.
The heart of the Padma Awards lies in the Padma Shri recipients. This year’s 113 awardees come from nearly every corner of the country and from fields as diverse as archaeology, agriculture, radio broadcasting, animal husbandry, folk art, medicine, and social service. From scientists like A E Muthunayagam to grassroots social workers like Budhri Tati, from sports figures such as Rohit Sharma , Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar and Savita Punia to cultural custodians like Sivasankari and Tarun Bhattacharya, the list reflects the everyday excellence that keeps India moving forward. Duo awardees and posthumous honours add emotional weight, acknowledging collective effort and lives dedicated fully to service.
A notable feature of the 2026 Padma Awards is the strong presence of women achievers, whose contributions span sports, medicine, art, science, and social work. Their recognition sends a powerful message to young girls across India that dedication and talent will be seen, regardless of barriers. The inclusion of awardees from Germany, Russia, the United States, and Georgia highlights India’s cultural and intellectual influence beyond borders, while posthumous honours ensure that those who served selflessly are remembered with dignity. The Padma Awards 2026 are not just a roll call of achievers; they are a mirror reflecting India’s soul. They remind the nation that greatness is not always loud, that service can take many forms, and that dreams when pursued with integrity can one day be honoured by the country itself.
Romanticizing life and shaping stories from everything I see through my journalistic lens. Also, I love sports on the side.
