Ahead of Republic Day, the Indian government announced the Padma Awards for 2026, honouring contributors from diverse fields. Bollywood legend Dharmendra received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, while neonatologist Dr Armida Fernandez was awarded the Padma Shri. These awards recognize excellence in social service, arts, science, and public affairs.
On January 26, 2026, the Indian government released the list of Padma Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions across various fields. Among the Padma Vibhushan recipients is Hindi cinema icon Dharmendra Singh Deol, who starred in over 300 films, including hits like Sholay and Chupke Chupke. He passed away in November 2025. Former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan was also awarded posthumously for public affairs, a lifelong champion of workers' rights and land reforms.
The Padma Bhushan honorees include adman Piyush Pandey, the face of Ogilvy India and creator of iconic campaigns for Cadbury and Asian Paints; veteran politician V.K. Malhotra, known for promoting archery in India; banking titan Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank; and Kerala social worker Vellappally Natesan.
Over 100 Padma Shri recipients include Chandigarh's retired DIG Inderjit Singh Sidhu, 87, honoured for his cleanliness drive. He said, 'Cleanliness is next to godliness.' Kashmir's Professor Mohammad Shafi Shauq received the award for his 1,400-page Kashmiri dictionary. Mumbai's Dr Armida Fernandez, who established Asia's first human milk bank in 1989, was recognized for neonatal care contributions. Jammu and Kashmir's Brij Lal Bhat was awarded for horticulture and efforts towards Kashmiri Pandit rehabilitation.
These awards, to be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day, reflect India's diversity and spirit of service.
