Padma Awards 2026: Dharmendra, Rohit Sharma Among Recipients | Full List

Web Desk

Published on Jan 25, 2026, 07:11 PM | 4 min read

New Delhi: The Government of India on Sunday announced the Padma Awards 2026, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian honours, recognising 131 distinguished individuals for their contributions in fields ranging from arts and education to public service and social work. The honours — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri — were unveiled on the eve of Republic Day, with the formal ceremony to be held later at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Padma Vibhushan, the second‑highest civilian award, was conferred on five eminent personalities this year. Among them is veteran film icon Dharmendra, honoured posthumously in recognition of his six‑decade contribution to Indian cinema. Other recipients included K T Thomas for public affairs, N Rajam for art, P Narayanan for literature and education, and V S Achuthanandhan for public affairs — with the latter also awarded posthumously.

In the Padma Bhushan category, several notable figures from the cultural and professional arenas were selected. Leading the list were celebrated Malayalam actor Mammootty and playback singer Alka Yagnik, recognised for their outstanding contributions to arts and entertainment. Other honourees spanned public affairs, science and medicine, and literature.

This year’s recipients — 113 individuals — received the Padma Shri for distinguished service in various disciplines. This list highlighted a strong emphasis on 'unsung heroes' from diverse regions, many with remarkable grassroots impact. Among them are Anke Gowda, an education advocate from Karnataka who created India’s largest free‑access library; Armida Fernandes, a Mumbai‑based paediatrician whose work led to the establishment of Asia’s first human milk bank; and tribal musician Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda for preserving traditional cultural forms. The full list also includes contributors in healthcare, sustainability, social welfare and traditional arts.

Other notable Padma Shri awardees announced include Brij Lal Bhat, Inderjit Singh Sidhu, Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai and Kollakkayil Devaki Amma, among others whose work benefited local communities across the country.

Fomer Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, women's cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar are also conferred with Padma Shri awards.

This year’s honours reflect India’s commitment to recognising excellence both at the national level and in local communities, spanning fields such as education, culture, health, environmental protection and social upliftment. Recipients will be formally presented their awards later this year by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremonial function.

In this year's Padma Awards, Kerala was also represented by Kollakkayil Devaki Amma, who received the Padma Shri for her lifelong work in environmental conservation and afforestation, A E Muthunayagam, and Kalamandalam Vimala Menon.

FULL LIST OF PADMA AWARDEES 2026

Padma Vibhushan