India has once again celebrated the spirit of dedication, service, and quiet excellence with the official announcement of the Padma Awards 2026 Winners List. On the occasion of Republic Day, the Government of India revealed the names of individuals whose lifelong contributions have left a deep and lasting impact on society-often without fame, headlines, or public recognition.
The Padma Awards remain one of the country’s highest civilian honours, recognising citizens who have devoted their lives to nation-building across diverse fields such as literature, education, medicine, social service, art, culture, public welfare, and community development. The Padma Awards 2026 continue this legacy by shining a spotlight on individuals who worked silently but tirelessly for the greater good.
Celebrating the Spirit of Service Through Padma Awards 2026
The Padma Awards 2026 Winners List reflects the true philosophy behind these honours: recognising grassroots contributors alongside nationally known figures. This year, a total of 45 individuals have been selected for the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, acknowledging distinguished service in various disciplines.
What makes this year’s list remarkable is its diversity. The awardees include former bus conductors, folk artists, teachers, doctors, social reformers, traditional healers, cultural custodians, and community leaders. Many of them have spent decades serving society without expecting recognition, making their selection deeply symbolic and inspiring.
The announcement reinforces the idea that national contribution is not limited to high offices or urban institutions. Instead, the real strength of the nation lies in villages, small towns, classrooms, clinics, art forms, and social movements led by ordinary people with extraordinary commitment.
Padma Awards: A Tradition Rooted in National Gratitude
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are conferred annually by the President of India. They are divided into three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan – for exceptional and distinguished service
- Padma Bhushan – for distinguished service of a higher order
- Padma Shri – for distinguished service in any field
The Padma Awards 2026 Winners List predominantly features Padma Shri recipients, underscoring the government’s continued emphasis on honouring grassroots heroes and unsung contributors.
Since 2014, the Padma Awards process has undergone a significant transformation. With an open nomination system and greater public participation, the awards have truly become the “People’s Padma”, ensuring deserving individuals from all corners of the country are considered.
Fields Represented in the Padma Awards 2026 Winners List
The recipients announced this year come from a wide range of sectors, highlighting India’s cultural, intellectual, and social diversity. These include:
- Literature and Education
- Medicine and Healthcare
- Art and Folk Traditions
- Social Work and Community Development
- Public Welfare
- Cultural Preservation
- Civic and Grassroots Service
Many awardees have played a key role in preserving indigenous knowledge systems, promoting regional languages, supporting underprivileged communities, and strengthening social harmony.
Padma Awards 2026 Winners List (Complete Table)
Below is the official Padma Awards 2026 Winners List, presented in a clean and readable table format for clarity and reference.
| S. No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Anke Gowda |
| 2 | Armida Fernandes |
| 3 | Bhagwan Das Raikwar |
| 4 | Bhiklya Ladkya Dhinda |
| 5 | Brijlal Bhatt |
| 6 | Budhri Tati |
| 7 | Charan Hembram |
| 8 | Chiranjee Lal Yadav |
| 9 | Dharmik Lal Chunni Lal Pandya |
| 10 | Gaffaruddin Mewati Jogi |
| 11 | Heli Var |
| 12 | Inderjit Singh Sidhu |
| 13 | K. Pazhanivel |
| 14 | Kailash Chandra Pant |
| 15 | Bhimraj Sudriyal |
| 16 | Kollakkayil Devaki Ammaji |
| 17 | Kumaraswamy Thangaraj |
| 18 | Mahendra Kumar Mishra |
| 19 | Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai |
| 20 | Mohan Nagar |
| 21 | Naresh Chandra Dev Verma |
| 22 | Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandalewala |
| 23 | Nooruddin Ahmed |
| 24 | Othuvar Thiruthani Swaminathan |
| 25 | Padma Gurmeet |
| 26 | Pokhila Lekthepi |
| 27 | Unniyamurthy Natesan |
| 28 | R. Krishnan |
| 29 | Raghupat Singh |
| 30 | Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar |
| 31 | Rajsthapati Kaliappa Gounder |
| 32 | Rama Reddy Mamidi |
| 33 | Ramchandra Godbole & Sunita Godbole |
| 34 | S. G. Sushila Amma |
| 35 | Sangyusang S. Pongener |
| 36 | Shafi Shaikh |
| 37 | Shrirang Devba Lad |
| 38 | Shri Krishna Visheshan |
| 39 | Boundary Calendar |
| 40 | Suresh Hangawadi |
| 41 | Taga Ram Bhil |
| 42 | Techi Gubin |
| 43 | Thiruvarur Bhaktavatsalam |
| 44 | Vishva Bandhu |
| 45 | Yumnam Jatra Singh |
Stories Behind the Honours
Behind every name in the Padma Awards 2026 Winners List lies a story of resilience, dedication, and service. Some recipients devoted their lives to education in remote areas, ensuring that children from marginalised communities had access to learning. Others preserved dying art forms, folk music traditions, and indigenous practices that form the backbone of India’s cultural identity.
Medical professionals on the list are known for offering affordable or free healthcare to underserved populations, often working in rural or difficult conditions. Social workers have spent decades fighting inequality, supporting women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and community welfare.
What unites all these awardees is their unwavering commitment to society, often without financial gain or public recognition.
Why Padma Awards Matter More Than Ever
In an age driven by visibility and instant recognition, the Padma Awards stand as a reminder that true impact does not always make headlines. The Padma Awards 2026 highlight values such as humility, service, perseverance, and social responsibility.
These awards not only honour individuals but also inspire future generations to serve the nation selflessly. They send a powerful message that meaningful work—whether in a classroom, clinic, village, or cultural stage—matters deeply.
Transparent Selection and Public Participation
One of the defining features of the modern Padma Awards system is its transparency. Nominations are open to the public, allowing citizens to recommend individuals they believe deserve national recognition. This democratic approach ensures that contributions from all sections of society are acknowledged.
The Padma Awards 2026 Winners List reflects this inclusive philosophy, featuring individuals from diverse backgrounds, regions, and professions.
When Are Padma Awards Presented?
While the winners are announced on Republic Day, the actual award ceremony is held later in the year at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where recipients receive their honours from the President of India in the presence of national leaders and dignitaries.
Who Is Eligible for Padma Awards?
Padma Awards are open to all citizens of India regardless of profession or background. In special cases, foreign nationals and overseas Indians may also be honoured. The awards recognise excellence in:
- Art and Culture
- Social Work
- Public Affairs
- Science and Engineering
- Trade and Industry
- Medicine
- Literature and Education
- Sports
- Civil Service
Each category reflects the broad spectrum of nation-building activities.
Padma Awards as the “People’s Honour”
Since 2014, the government has actively worked to democratise the Padma Awards. By recognising everyday heroes, the awards have evolved into what many call the “People’s Padma”. The Padma Awards 2026 Winners List is a continuation of this vision, proving that national recognition is not reserved only for elites but earned through genuine service.
Also read: Order of Canada: Meaning, History, and Why It Is One of the Country’s Highest Honors
Conclusion: Honouring India’s Quiet Achievers
The Padma Awards 2026 Winners List is more than a list of names—it is a celebration of India’s moral and cultural strength. It honours individuals who chose service over spotlight and impact over recognition.
As the nation salutes these 45 awardees, their journeys serve as a reminder that real change is driven by dedication, compassion, and commitment. The Padma Awards 2026 reaffirm that every contribution—no matter how humble—has the power to shape the nation’s future.
