Padma Awards 2026: Full List of Padma Shri Awardees Announced Ahead of Republic Day

Padma Shri Awardees 2026: Complete List Announced Before Republic Day Celebrations

Padma Awards 2026: Full List of Padma Shri Awardees Announced Ahead of Republic Day: The Modi government’s approach to the Padma Awards 2026 has once again highlighted inclusivity, grassroots recognition, and national integration, with awardees selected from every corner of India. Over 39,000 nominations were received and evaluated through a rigorous, scientific, multi-stage selection process, involving consultations with ministries, state and district administrations, and domain experts.

The Padma awardees this year represent 84 districts across 30 states and Union Territories, including 10 districts such as Mandya, Betul, Parbhani, Bageshwar, Rangareddy and Dakshin Dinajpur, which have received Padma honours for the first time since Independence. The awards go far beyond metropolitan centres, reaching districts such as Alappuzha, Bhojpur, Cachar, Darjeeling, Goalpara, Imphal, Junagadh, Mokokchung, Nuapada, Sri Ganganagar, and East Burdwan.

Reflecting the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” the list includes achievers from diverse backgrounds—among them 48 senior citizens aged 80 and above, and individuals from Dalit, tribal, oppressed, exploited, and underprivileged communities. Many awardees are unsung heroes who rose from humble beginnings, overcame personal hardships, and dedicated their lives to social service, culture, science, healthcare, and nation-building.

In a bipartisan gesture, the government honoured communist veteran V.S. Achuthanandan with the Padma Vibhushan and tribal leader Shibu Soren with the Padma Bhushan, continuing its policy of recognising leadership across political lines.

The Ashtalakshmi (Northeastern) states received unprecedented recognition, with over 40% of all Padma awards granted to the region since Independence being conferred in the last 12 years. The awards also strongly acknowledged doctors, social workers, scientists, and innovators who have served the common people.

A major focus of Padma Awards 2026 has been on promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat, honouring scientists and technologists who developed and implemented indigenous solutions across defence, space, energy, finance, manufacturing, aviation weather systems, microprocessors, missiles, propulsion systems, and critical minerals.

With this year’s awards, the government has reinforced its commitment to celebrating India’s real heroes—those whose work quietly but powerfully shapes the nation.

Padma Shri Awardees 2026 – Complete List

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