New Delhi, June 23: President Droupadi Murmu awarded the prestigious Padma Awards for 2026 during the ‘Civilian Honors Ceremony – Second’ held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. Various eminent personalities from different fields were recognized for their contributions.
During the ceremony, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shibu Soren, was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, which was received by his wife, Rupi Soren. Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj also received the Padma Bhushan. Renowned singer Alka Yagnik was honored with the same award by President Murmu.
Additionally, P. Narayanan and retired Justice K.T. Thomas were awarded the Padma Vibhushan for their contributions to literature, education, and public service. Other Padma Bhushan recipients included S.K.M. Mailanandan, Mammootty, Vellapally Natesan, and Dattatreyaudu Nori.
The list of awardees also featured two Americans, one Russian, and one Georgian citizen. In total, President Murmu honored 65 individuals with Padma Awards during the ceremony. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, and several dignitaries were present at the event.
The second civilian honors ceremony awarded a total of 65 Padma Awards, including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri awards. Earlier, on May 25, the first civilian honors ceremony also recognized 65 individuals, comprising two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri awards.
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in the country, presented in three categories: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. These awards recognize exceptional service in various fields such as arts, social work, public service, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.
The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, the Padma Bhushan for high-level distinguished service, and the Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. Announcements for these awards are made annually on Republic Day.
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