India celebrated the spirit of achievement, dedication and public service as President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 25. The grand ceremony brought together distinguished personalities from across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, diplomats and families of the awardees in attendance.
The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honours, recognise exceptional contributions in fields ranging from art, literature and education to sports, medicine, science, public affairs and social work. This year, the President approved a total of 131 Padma Awards, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri honours. During the first investiture ceremony, 66 awardees received their honours, while the remaining recipients will be felicitated at a later ceremony.
The 2026 awards reflected the true diversity of India’s talent and service. Alongside celebrated public figures, several grassroots changemakers and unsung heroes were honoured for their extraordinary work in transforming communities and preserving cultural traditions. The awards also included 19 women recipients and 16 posthumous honours, highlighting contributions that have left a lasting impact on the nation.
Among the most emotional moments of the evening was the posthumous Padma Vibhushan awarded to veteran actor Dharmendra, received on his behalf by actress and parliamentarian . The ceremony also honoured personalities from cinema, music, sports and business whose journeys have inspired millions.
Legendary singer Alka Yagnik, actor Mammootty, cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar and banker Uday Kotak were among the prominent names recognised this year. Their achievements reflected the expanding reach of the Padma Awards in celebrating excellence across diverse spheres of Indian life.
Beyond glamour and recognition, the ceremony carried a deeper message — that dedication, perseverance and service to society remain the true markers of national honour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the stories of the awardees as “inspiring journeys,” noting that many recipients had worked quietly for years away from the public spotlight.
The Padma Awards 2026 once again showcased the richness of India’s talent and the power of individual contribution. From artists and athletes to social reformers and educators, the honourees represented the many faces of a nation driven by excellence, resilience and service.