In a grand and dignified ceremony held at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu presented the second set of Padma Awards for the year 2026. The Civil Investiture Ceremony-II saw the presentation of 65 prestigious civilian honors, including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri awards to distinguished personalities from various walks of life.
The event was attended by top national leadership, including Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside several other union ministers and dignitaries.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his heartfelt congratulations to the awardees, stating:
“Under Modi Ji’s leadership, the Padma Awards have been redefined to honor individuals who have made a real impact on society through selfless service. These awards now honor unsung impact-makers and strengthen participatory democracy by inspiring citizens to become stakeholders in change.”
Prominent Achievers and Grassroots Icons Celebrated
The 2026 Padma list seamlessly balanced mainstream icons with incredible grassroots champions who have spent decades working away from the limelight.
Among the prominent public figures, former Supreme Court judge Justice (retd.) K.T. Thomas was conferred the Padma Vibhushan for his contributions to public affairs, alongside eminent Malayalam journalist P. Narayanan for his outstanding work in literature and education.
The entertainment and sports worlds also saw major celebrations:
- Alka Yagnik: The veteran playback singer received the Padma Bhushan for her monumental contributions to Indian music.
- Mammootty: The iconic Malayalam actor was honored with the Padma Bhushan for his immense impact on Indian cinema.
- Vijay Amritraj: The legendary tennis star was conferred the Padma Bhushan for his excellence and representation in sports.
- Rohit Sharma: The former Indian cricket captain, who led the national side to remarkable triumphs, was awarded the Padma Shri.
- Savita Punia: The eminent women’s hockey goalkeeper received the Padma Shri for her stellar international career.
Beyond these household names, the ceremony underscored the government’s focus on “unsung heroes.” Individuals like Budhri Tati, a dedicated social worker empowering women and advancing education in the formerly Naxal-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, and 83-year-old folk artist Guru Sangyusang Pongener from Nagaland, were recognized with Padma Shri awards, bringing their selfless endeavors to the national forefront.
Why It Matters: Redefining National Recognition
The transition of the Padma Awards into a “People’s Padma” marks a significant evolution in how India defines excellence and public service. Historically criticized for being localized to urban elites or politically well-connected individuals, the selection methodology has undergone rigorous reform over the past decade.
By opening online public nominations, the selection process now ensures that individuals executing path-breaking work in tribal belts, remote villages, and marginalized communities are actively discovered and appreciated. This democratized framework directly resonates with the sentiments echoed by Amit Shah framing the awards not merely as personal achievements but as inspirations for participatory democracy.
Key Takeaways
- Total Awards Conferred: President Droupadi Murmu presented 65 Padma Awards during the Second Civil Investiture Ceremony on June 23, 2026.
- Distinguished Categories: The ceremony included two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri awards.
- Celebrated Icons: Notable recipients included Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, Rohit Sharma, and Vijay Amritraj.
- Focus on Unsung Heroes: Grassroots workers like social activist Budhri Tati and cultural guardian Guru Sangyusang Pongener were highly celebrated for their selfless contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the three categories of Padma Awards?
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India and are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of high order), and Padma Shri (distinguished service in any field).
Q2: When are the Padma Awards announced each year?
The awards are officially announced annually on the eve of Republic Day (January 25th).
Q3: Who presented the Padma Awards for 2026?
The awards were conferred by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Q4: What is meant by the term ‘People’s Padma’?
The phrase reflects a shift toward honoring everyday citizens and unsung grassroots workers who perform selfless social work, making the nomination and selection process more inclusive and community-driven.
