Government of India Announces Padma Awards for 2026
Padma Awards 2026: Honoring Excellence
On the eve of Republic Day, the Indian government revealed the recipients of the Padma Awards for 2026. This year, a total of 131 individuals will be recognized with the nation's highest civilian honors, which include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Specifically, 5 individuals will receive the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, while 13 will be honored with the Padma Bhushan, and 113 will receive the Padma Shri. These awards celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the nation. Below is a list of awardees in the fields of literature and education.
| Name | Place of Birth / State |
|---|---|
| Shri P. Narayanan (Padma Vibhushan) | Kerala |
| Shri Ashok Kumar Haldar (Padma Shri) | West Bengal |
| Shri Charan Hembram (Padma Shri) | Odisha |
| Shri Gambhir Singh Yonjon (Padma Shri) | West Bengal |
| Shri Kailash Chandra Pant (Padma Shri) | Madhya Pradesh |
| Ms. Lyudmila Viktorovna Khokhlova (Padma Shri) | Russia |
| Shri Mahendra Kumar Mishra (Padma Shri) | Odisha |
| Shri Mahendra Nath Roy (Padma Shri) | West Bengal |
| Shri Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (Padma Shri) | Delhi |
| Ms. Mangala Kapoor (Padma Shri) | Uttar Pradesh |
| Shri Naresh Chandra Dev Varma (Padma Shri) | Tripura |
| Dr. Prabhakar Basavaprabhu Kore (Padma Shri) | Karnataka |
| Shri Rabilal Tudu (Padma Shri) | West Bengal |
| Shri Ratilal Borisagar (Padma Shri) | Gujarat |
| Prof. Shafi Shauq (Padma Shri) | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati (Padma Shri) | Karnataka |
| Ms. Shivasankari (Padma Shri) | Tamil Nadu |
Understanding the Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are among India's most esteemed civilian honors, awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to society and the nation through their exceptional work in various fields. The awards are categorized into three levels: the Padma Vibhushan for exceptional service, the Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and the Padma Shri for notable contributions across diverse areas such as art, education, social service, science, and sports.