Who are the 2026 Padma Awardees like Dharmendra and Achuthanandan?
Synopsis
The prestigious Padma Awards for 2026 have been announced, recognizing significant contributions across various fields. Among the honorees are the legendary actor Dharmendra and former Kerala CM V.S. Achuthanandan, both receiving posthumous awards. This year's list also includes celebrated sportspersons and influential figures, showcasing India's rich cultural and social diversity.
Key Takeaways
Achuthanandan received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously.
131 Padma Awards were conferred this year.
19 awardees are women, showcasing gender diversity.
Several awardees are recognized for their contributions to sports and public service.
The awards highlight India's rich cultural and social contributions.
New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) The esteemed Padma Vibhushan award has been posthumously conferred upon veteran actor Dharmendra and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan on the occasion of Republic Day 2026. Other notable awardees include the late JMM founder and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, singer Alka Yagnik, and Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who received the Padma Bhushan. Additionally, sportspersons Harmanpreet Kaur, Rohit Sharma, and Savita Punia have been honored with the Padma Shri.
President Droupadi Murmu has officially sanctioned a total of 131 Padma Awards, which includes 2 duo cases where the award is counted as one, as per an official statement.
The list, unveiled prior to the Republic Day celebrations, features five Padma Vibhushans, 13 Padma Bhushans, and 113 Padma Shris for this year.
Among the awardees, 19 individuals are women, and the roster includes six foreign recipients, along with 16 posthumous awards.
In recognizing Dharmendra, the award committee described him as an “Enduring Hindi cinema legend” whose impact on Indian culture is undeniable, spanning over 300 films and a career that stretches across seven decades.
Other recipients of the Padma Vibhushan include former Supreme Court judge Justice K.T. Thomas for his contributions to judicial policy, classical violinist N Rajam, who has globalized Hindustani classical music over her 75-year career, and Malayalam writer and journalist P. Narayanan.
The Padma Bhushan awardees comprise former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, US-based Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, late advertising icon Piyush Pandey, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, banker Uday Kotak, veteran BJP leader V.K. Malhotra, and influential Kerala Ezhava community leader Vellappally Natesan.
Among those honored with the Padma Shri are India women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar, former Indian men's cricket captain Rohit Sharma, space scientist A.E. Muthunayagam, veteran theatre actor Anil Kumar Rastogi, and social activist Anke Gowda, who established India's largest free personal library with over 20 lakh books. Other awardees include acclaimed actor Satish Shah (posthumously), women's hockey player Savita Punia, and Tollywood star Prosenjit Chatterjee.
Noteworthy recipients include pediatrician Armida Fernandez, who founded Asia's first human milk bank, veteran hockey coach Baldev Singh, aerospace engineer Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, who played a key role in the development and deployment of the Akash Missile System, and paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar.
Internationally, the Padma Shri has been awarded to renowned German museologist Lars Christian Koch, who researched North Indian classical music, Russian Indology professor Liudmila Viktorovna Khokhlova, and legendary Georgian wrestling coach Vladimer Mestvirishvili, known for mentoring Olympic champions and aiding India's rise in wrestling.
The Padma Awards are categorized into three levels: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards recognize extraordinary contributions in various fields including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for notable contributions in any field.
Point of View
I believe that the Padma Awards serve to honor exemplary contributions to our nation across various sectors. Recognizing figures like Dharmendra and V.S. Achuthanandan not only highlights their achievements but also inspires future generations to pursue excellence in their fields. Such acknowledgments are essential in fostering a culture of appreciation and respect for hard work and dedication in India.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Padma Awards?
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India, given to recognize exceptional and distinguished service in various fields such as art, literature, science, and public service.
Who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2026?
In 2026, the Padma Vibhushan was awarded posthumously to Dharmendra and V.S. Achuthanandan, along with several other distinguished individuals.
How many Padma Awards were given in 2026?
A total of 131 Padma Awards were announced for 2026, including 5 Padma Vibhushans, 13 Padma Bhushans, and 113 Padma Shris.
Are there any foreign recipients of the Padma Awards?
Yes, the 2026 Padma Awards included several foreign recipients who have made significant contributions to various fields.
What criteria are used for the Padma Awards?
The Padma Awards are conferred based on exceptional and distinguished service in various disciplines, including contributions to society, culture, and national development.
