Notable Personalities Honoured with Padma Awards in 2026

New Delhi: On June 23, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed prestigious Padma Awards upon several prominent figures during the second civil investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Among the recipients were tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, celebrated actor Mammootty, acclaimed cricketer Rohit Sharma, and playback singer Alka Yagnik.

The Padma awards, acknowledged as some of India’s highest civilian honours, are categorised into three levels: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Each category is designed to recognise distinguished service across various fields including art, medicine, literature, and public affairs.

During the ceremony, the Padma Vibhushan was awarded to K. T. Thomas, a former Supreme Court judge, for his notable contributions to public affairs. P. Narayanan, an eminent journalist from Kerala, also received the Padma Vibhushan for his significant work in literature and education.

Additional recipients of the Padma Bhushan included Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori, Vijay Amritraj, and social worker Vellappally Natesan. Rupi Soren accepted the Padma Bhushan on behalf of her late husband, Shibu Soren, a prominent political figure.

Cricketer Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the recent T-20 World Cup, was honoured with the Padma Shri along with hockey player Savita Punia. The ceremony also recognised the legacy of folk artist Guru Sangyusang Pongener from Nagaland and social activist Budhri Tati, who focus on education and women's empowerment in Chhattisgarh's previously conflict-affected Bastar region. Additionally, actor Satish Shah was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri; his brother accepted the honour on his behalf.

In total, President Murmu conferred 65 awards during the ceremony, comprising two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri awards. Notable figures such as actor R. Madhavan and aerospace scientist Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, who played a pivotal role in the development of the Akash missile system, were also honoured with the Padma Shri.

The Indian government had previously announced a total of 131 Padma awards on Republic Day, with 65 presented in an earlier investiture ceremony on May 25. The remaining awards, including a duo case, were distributed during the ceremony on June 23, 2026.