Bhojpur, Jan 26 (NationPress) Bharat Singh Bharti, a 90-year-old folk artist hailing from the Bhojpur district of Bihar, is set to receive the Padma Shri Award for the year 2026, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to traditional music.

Expressing his joy upon receiving this notable recognition, Bharat Singh Bharti shared with IANS, “I am filled with happiness. The government's process is commendable and will open up greater avenues for artists to advance.”

He went on to emphasize that the duties assigned by the government are being executed with utmost dedication.

“The responsibilities given by the government are being fulfilled exceptionally well by artists, in line with their skills and prestige. Everyone is working sincerely,” he remarked.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the seasoned folk artist noted, “The vision of Prime Minister Modi is highly progressive and advantageous for society. It represents a positive and dignified approach to fortifying our community. Through this vision, our society can witness improvement and multifaceted advancement. I deeply appreciate this perspective and hope for the realization of the Prime Minister’s aspirations.”

The list of Padma Award recipients for 2026 was unveiled on Sunday, just as the nation gears up for Republic Day celebrations. This year, the President has sanctioned a total of 131 Padma Awards, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri Awards.

Leading the list is Maharashtra with 15 awardees, followed closely by Tamil Nadu with 13, while both Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have 11 each, and Kerala boasts eight recipients.

The 2026 Padma Shri roster comprises a variety of renowned individuals and grassroots contributors from across the nation. Awardees span diverse fields, including sports, arts, science, medicine, and social work.

Notable personalities such as Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and women's hockey player Savita Punia are among the Padma Shri recipients.

This year’s selection highlights individuals who have devoted decades to grassroots work, many of whom are from marginalized communities, including Dalits, tribal groups, and those residing in remote, challenging areas.

The list underscores a strong emphasis on individuals committed to serving Divyangjan, women, children, Dalits, and tribal communities while also advancing education, healthcare, sanitation, sustainability, and livelihood opportunities.

The Padma Awards are among the most esteemed civilian honors in India, presented annually in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.