President Murmu at the awards ceremony

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 12 May 2026, celebrating the dedication and resilience of India's nursing workforce.

The ceremony recognised nursing professionals from diverse healthcare sectors, including military nursing services, college nursing education, and frontline hospital care across India.

President Murmu arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan to preside over the awards ceremony, underscoring the state's commitment to recognising healthcare workers' contributions to the nation.

President Murmu greeted Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda and award-winning nursing professionals at the ceremony, acknowledging their vital role in India's healthcare system.

Among the honoured recipients were Maj. Gen. Lissamma PV, Dr. R. Shankar Shanmugam, Ayesha Beebi K, Manjumol V S, Kavitha Jagannath, Raksha Rupo Parvatkar, Sharwan Kumar Dhaka, and Deepa Biju, recognised for their outstanding contributions to nursing and patient care.

The Florence Nightingale Medal, India's highest award for nursing, recognises nurses who have demonstrated exceptional courage, devotion, and service in their professional careers.

Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda attended the ceremony alongside President Murmu and nursing professionals, emphasising the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure.

The 2026 awards recognised nursing professionals across multiple cadres — from military nursing leadership to community health workers — reflecting the diversity of India's healthcare workforce.

Maj Gen Lissamma PV, Additional Director General of the Military Nursing Service, received the award for her exemplary leadership and contributions to military healthcare and nursing standards.

Dr R. Shankar Shanmugam, Principal of College of Nursing, Tamil Nadu, was recognised for advancing nursing education and training standards across the state.

Ayesha Beebi K, a Nursing Officer, was honoured for her dedicated patient care and compassionate nursing practice in frontline healthcare settings.

Manjumol V S, a Senior Nursing Officer, received the award for her outstanding contributions to patient care and mentorship of junior nursing staff.

Kavitha Jagannath, an Assistant Nursing Superintendent, was recognised for her administrative excellence and commitment to improving nursing care standards.

Raksha Rupo Parvatkar, a Ward In-Charge, received recognition for her exemplary ward management and compassionate patient care in hospital settings.

Sharwan Kumar Dhaka, a Public Health Nursing Officer, was honoured for his contributions to community health promotion and disease prevention programmes.

Deepa Biju, Assistant Nursing Superintendent and Operation Theatre Complex In-Charge, received the award for her expertise in surgical nursing and theatre management.

Her leadership in the operation theatre complex has ensured high standards of infection control, patient safety, and surgical nursing protocols across the facility.

Poonam Verma, a Nursing Officer, was recognised for her dedicated service and compassionate approach to patient care in her healthcare facility.

Her commitment to professional excellence and patient advocacy has made a significant impact on healthcare delivery and nursing standards.

Gita Karmakar, a Health Supervisor, was honoured for her role in community health supervision and preventive healthcare initiatives.

Pooja Parmar Rana, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife, received recognition for her contributions to maternal and child health services in community settings.

Her dedication to maternal health promotion and safe delivery practices has improved health outcomes in underserved rural communities.

Madhu Mala Gurung, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife, was recognised for her exceptional work in maternal and child health programmes.

Her active participation in immunisation drives and health awareness campaigns has strengthened primary healthcare delivery in her region.

Lalenthangi Hanamte, a Health Worker, was honoured for her grassroots healthcare delivery and community health engagement initiatives.

Sub Inspector Kulwinder Parhi attended the ceremony, representing law enforcement personnel who have contributed to healthcare and community safety initiatives.

Sub Inspector Kulwinder Parhi received the award for contributions to emergency response and community health protection efforts.

His dedication to public health and safety in challenging conditions exemplifies the spirit of service recognised by the Florence Nightingale Award.

President Droupadi Murmu, Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, and Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav posed with award recipients and nursing professionals, celebrating their contributions to India's healthcare system.

The award presentation highlighted the exceptional contributions of nursing professionals who serve on the frontlines of India's healthcare system.

Each award recognised individual nurses whose commitment to patient care, professional excellence, and community health has made measurable differences.

The 2026 awards celebrated nursing excellence across diverse settings — from military and tertiary care to community health and public health sectors.