New Delhi:
The Government of India on Sunday announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards 2026, recognizing individuals for their exceptional and selfless contributions across diverse fields. Continuing the tradition of honoring “unsung heroes,” this year’s list prominently features grassroots changemakers from remote corners of the country.
Among those awarded the Padma Shri in the “Unsung Heroes” category are Anke Gowda from Karnataka and Armida Fernandes from Maharashtra. They are joined by Bhagwandas Raikwar of Madhya Pradesh and Brij Lal Bhatt from Jammu and Kashmir for their remarkable service at the community level.
The list also includes Budhri Tati from Chhattisgarh, Charan Hembrom from Odisha, Chiranjilal Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, and Dharmiklal Chunnilal Pandya from Gujarat—individuals whose quiet dedication has made a lasting impact on society.
What Makes the Padma Awards Special
The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors and are conferred in three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan – for exceptional and distinguished service
- Padma Bhushan – for distinguished service of a high order
- Padma Shri – for notable service in any field
These awards recognize excellence in areas such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.
Full List of Padma Awardees 2026 (Selected)
This year’s honorees include:
Anke Gowda, Armida Fernandes, Bhagwandas Raikwar, Bhiklya Ladkya Dhinda, Brij Lal Bhatt, Budhri Tati, Charan Hembrom, Chiranjilal Yadav, Dharmiklal Chunnilal Pandya, Gaffaruddin Mewati Jogi, Hailey War, Inderjit Singh Sidhu, K. Pazhanivel, Kailash Chandra Pant, Khem Raj Sundariyal, Kollakkayil Devaki Amma Ji, Kumarasamy Thangaraj, Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Meer Hajibhai Kasambhai, Mohan Nagar, Naresh Chandra Dev Verma, Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandalewala, Nooruddin Ahmad, Othuvar Thiruthani Swaminathan, Padma Gurmet, Pokhila Lekthepi, Punniyamurthy Natesan, R. Krishnan, Raghupat Singh, Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar, Rajastapati Kaliappa Gounder, Rama Reddy Mamidi, Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole, S.G. Sushilamma, Sangyusang S. Pongenar, Shafi Shouk, Shrirang Devba Lad, Shyam Sundar, Simanchal Patro, Suresh Hanagavadi, Taga Ram Bhil, Techie Gubin, Thiruvarur Bhakthavatsalam, Vishva Bandhu, and Yumnam Jatra Singh.
Celebrating Ordinary Indians With Extraordinary Impact
The 2026 Padma Awards underline the government’s continued focus on recognizing ordinary citizens with extraordinary contributions, many of whom have worked far from the public spotlight. These awards highlight stories of service, resilience, and dedication that inspire the nation.
As per tradition, the Padma Awards are announced on the eve of India’s Republic Day, with the formal investiture ceremony to be held later at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.