Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 23: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presented the prestigious Padma Awards 2026 to 65 distinguished personalities during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The awardees were recognised for their exceptional contributions across diverse fields, including arts, public affairs, medicine, literature, education and sports.
Among the prominent recipients, celebrated playback singer Alka Yagnik received the Padma Bhushan in recognition of her remarkable contribution to Indian music spanning more than three decades.
Veteran Assamese sculptor Nuruddin Ahmed was honoured with the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to visual storytelling and stage craftsmanship.
Several other notable personalities were also honoured during the ceremony, including former tennis star Vijay Amritraj, actor Mammootty, Carnatic percussion maestro Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam and Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma.
In the field of medicine, renowned paediatrician and neonatologist Dr Armida Fernandez was conferred with the Padma Shri for her pioneering contributions to child healthcare and public health services. Dr Suresh Hanagavadi was also honoured with the Padma Shri for contributions to medicine.
Dr Charan Hembram received the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to literature and education, while Bhiklya Ladkya Dhinda was recognised for his lifelong efforts in preserving the traditional Tarpa, a wind instrument associated with the Warli tribal community.
The second Civil Investiture Ceremony saw the presentation of:
2 Padma Vibhushan awards
7 Padma Bhushan awards
56 Padma Shri awards
Earlier, during the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held on May 25, President Murmu had conferred 65 Padma Awards, comprising:
2 Padma Vibhushan awards
6 Padma Bhushan awards
57 Padma Shri awards
The Government of India had announced a total of 131 Padma Awards for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day. The list included:
5 Padma Vibhushan awards
13 Padma Bhushan awards
113 Padma Shri awards
Among the recipients, 19 are women, while 16 individuals were honoured posthumously.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among India's highest civilian honours and are presented annually to recognise individuals for exceptional and distinguished service in their respective fields, ranging from art, literature and science to public service, sports and social work.