VOI World/ Desk
Padma Awards 2026 were conferred on 65 distinguished personalities by President Droupadi Murmu during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The ceremony was attended by Indian PM Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries. The awards presented included two Padma Vibhushan honours, seven Padma Bhushan awards and 56 Padma Shri awards.
Among the prominent recipients were Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty, playback singer Alka Yagnik and tennis icon Vijay Amritraj, who received the Padma Bhushan. Actor R Madhavan and former India cricket captain Rohit Sharma were conferred the Padma Shri, while the late actor Satish Shah was honoured posthumously.
Several personalities from sports, arts, literature, public affairs and social service were recognised for their contributions. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren was also awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously.
The second ceremony completed this year’s Padma Awards presentations. A total of 131 Padma Awards had been approved for 2026, with the remaining recipients having been honoured during the first investiture ceremony held earlier.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and recognise exceptional service across diverse fields. The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony highlighted the country’s tradition of celebrating excellence and lifetime achievement across generations and professions.
