Padma Awards 2026 announced ahead of Republic Day; 131 honoured across fields

Padma Awards list released on 25 January 2026

India’s Padma Awards for 2026 were announced on 25 January 2026, a day before Republic Day celebrations. The honours—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri—are among the country’s highest civilian recognitions and are traditionally declared on the eve of 26 January.

This year, President Droupadi Murmu approved 131 awards, according to reports. The final list includes awardees from diverse regions, age groups and professions, reflecting the intent to spotlight both lifetime achievement and sustained public service.

Well-known names alongside grassroots contributors

Media reports noted that the entertainment and cultural sphere features prominently in the 2026 list, with celebrated artists and performers recognised for decades of work. Alongside high-profile figures, the Padma roster typically includes educators, doctors, social workers, innovators, sportspersons and community leaders whose impact is often local but transformative.

The awards are expected to be conferred at ceremonial functions held later in the year at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where recipients are formally presented their honours.

Why the announcement matters now

Coming just ahead of Republic Day 2026, the announcement adds to the national focus on public duty and service. The Padma recognition cycle also influences how institutions, states and civil society organisations celebrate civic contributions over the year.

For many recipients, the award is seen as validation of long-term work rather than a single moment of fame, and it often brings renewed attention to the causes, crafts and fields they represent.

The full list, as published by multiple outlets, details recipients by category, state and domain, and is expected to be referenced widely in the days leading up to 26 January events.