On Monday, the majestic Republic Hall(Ganatantra Mandap) of Rashtrapati Bhavan bore witness to a historic moment, one in which India expressed its collective gratitude toward its talented individuals, dedicated practitioners, artists, scientists, educators, athletes, social workers and the ascetics of public life. President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards upon 66 distinguished personalities during the first phase of the 2026 honors; this occasion once again affirmed that India, while being an economic and strategic powerhouse, is equally a superpower of knowledge, culture and human values.
As the Padma honors were being presented at Delhi’s Rashtrapati Bhavan, the atmosphere was permeated with a sense of profound dignity, a blend of deep emotion and pride; pride in one’s own identity and pride in the loved ones whose contributions made it possible to witness this momentous day. A vivid manifestation of India’s “Unity in Diversity” and in a sense, the very dignity of the Indian soul, the fragrance of its traditions and the radiant aura of its culture, was palpable in the air. It felt as though Vagdevi (Saraswati) herself was smiling upon this scene, for India was bowing in reverence to its own luminaries.
LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Awards 2026 at Civil Investiture Ceremony – I at Rashtrapati Bhavan https://t.co/PAB8ITwTVO
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Padma Awards: More than honors, A nation’s gratitude
In India, the Padma Awards rank among the nation’s highest civilian honors; yet, they are also an embodiment of that quintessential Indian philosophy wherein an individual’s greatness is measured not merely by their position, wealth or fame, but far more significantly, by their contributions to society and the nation. Indeed, in a land guided by the ethos of “Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye”, knowledge, art and selfless service have always occupied the highest pedestal. This is precisely why the list of Padma Awardees features, on one hand, world-renowned artists and on the other, dedicated practitioners who have engaged in silent, ascetic endeavors within the villages and tribal regions of the country.
This year’s honors celebrated personalities drawn from the fields of cinema, music, literature, medicine, science, sports, education, folk arts, industry, social service and spiritual traditions. It is this very diversity that constitutes India’s true strength.
Padma Vibhushan: The nation’s tribute to extraordinary contribution
The late actor Dharmendra, honored with the Padma Vibhushan, stood as an icon of that golden era of Indian cinema which taught millions of Indians to dream. Having acted in over 300 films spanning nearly six decades, Dharmendra was not merely an actor; he had become a true representative of the collective sentiments of the Indian masses. The acceptance of this honor by his wife and Member of Parliament, Hema Malini, marked a deeply emotional moment during the ceremony. As Hema received the award from the President, tears finally welled up and spilled over from the eyes of their daughter, Ahana. Undoubtedly, this honor served as a tribute to that tradition of Indian cinema which has instilled in society the values of love, sensitivity, and courage.
President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Vibhushan in the field of Art on Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous). He will remain an icon of Indian cinema. He served as a Member of Parliament. He has had a prolific career spanning over six decades, starring in more than 300 films.… pic.twitter.com/lZlMXuPTSa
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Dr. N. Rajam: An unparalleled exemplar of musical devotion
The conferral of the Padma Vibhushan upon the renowned violinist Dr. N. Rajam serves as a tribute to the grand tradition of Indian classical music. By successfully adapting the “Gayaki Ang”(vocal style) to the violin, she elevated Indian music to new heights. Decades of rigorous practice, discipline and dedication earned her global recognition, while simultaneously ensuring that India’s musical prowess was celebrated and acclaimed across all four directions. In this context, it is only natural that this honor reaffirms the fundamental truth that in India, art is not merely viewed as entertainment, but rather as a form of spiritual discipline.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने प्रख्यात वायलिन वादक डॉ. (श्रीमती) एन. राजम् को कला के क्षेत्र में पद्म विभूषण प्रदान किया। वे असाधारण ख्याति प्राप्त कलाकार हैं, जिन्हें संगीत के क्षेत्र में सबसे बेहतरीन और विशिष्ट कलाकारों में से एक माना जाता है। उन्होंने वायलिन पर 'गायकी अंग' गायन… pic.twitter.com/ojPZzjLPFV
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Vibhushan in the field of Art to Dr. (Smt.) N. Rajam, an eminent violinist. She is an artist of exceptional eminence, regarded among the finest and most distinguished exponents in the field of music. She pioneered a revolutionary approach… pic.twitter.com/anywUK9iNm
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
For Indian practitioners, this art form is, at its very core, rooted in the sacred ‘Pranava, (the primordial sound ‘Om’), progressive in spirit and a powerful catalyst for national growth; it embodies the principles of ‘Shivam’ (Goodness), ‘Satyam’ (Truth) and ‘Sundaram’ (Beauty), representing a constant endeavor toward innovation and renewal. Furthermore, while this art is melodious, enchanting and replete with ‘Ragas’, resonating deeply within the strings of the human heart, it also serves as a musical medium that nurtures and fosters the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the philosophy that the entire world is one family.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने श्री धर्मेंद्र सिंह देओल (मरणोपरांत) को कला के क्षेत्र में पद्म विभूषण से सम्मानित किया। वे भारतीय सिनेमा के एक विलक्षण व्यक्तित्व रूप में सदैव प्रतिष्ठित रहेंगे। उन्होंने संसद सदस्य के रूप में भी अपनी सेवाएं प्रदान कीं। उनका योगदान छह दशकों से भी… pic.twitter.com/9fxBaEgl3T
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Dr. R. Ganesh: Torchbearer of the Indian knowledge tradition
The conferral of the Padma Bhushan upon ‘Shatavadhani’ R. Ganesh holds special significance for India’s cultural consciousness. He revitalized a unique Indian tradition, the art of ‘Avadhana’ and demonstrated that India’s cultural heritage is not merely a relic of the past but remains a vibrant, living force today.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan in the field of Art to Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh. He is a master of Avadhana, a classical art form unique to India, which involves solving a variety of poetic challenges with verses composed extempore, without any aids like pen and… pic.twitter.com/0c7dmkRRTH
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Bhagat Singh Koshyari: Honoring education and social service
The honor bestowed upon Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, underscores the fact that nation-building in India is also shaped by a brand of politics that remains constantly anchored in the principles of national interest. Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s efforts toward promoting education and social awareness in remote mountainous regions have been truly remarkable.
Indeed, his selection for this award serves as a testament to the truth that sincere efforts will, one day, inevitably earn you a level of recognition so profound that, once attained, all other desires begin to pale in comparison. India’s highest civilian honors, the Padma Awards- embody precisely this spirit.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने श्री भगत सिंह कोश्यारी को सार्वजनिक मामलों के क्षेत्र में पद्म भूषण प्रदान किया। श्री भगत सिंह कोश्यारी एक प्रतिष्ठित सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता, शिक्षाविद्, पत्रकार और समर्पित राष्ट्रवादी नेता हैं, जिन्होंने अपना जीवन जन-सेवा तथा समाज के गरीब और वंचित वर्गों… pic.twitter.com/tHpUHFNOPn
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Uday Kotak: An Indian model of economic innovation
The conferral of a Padma Award today upon Uday Kotak, a distinguished name in the industrial sector, stands as proof that India views entrepreneurship and economic innovation as legitimate avenues for national service. His contributions to the Indian banking and financial sectors have inspired a new generation to embrace self-reliance and innovation.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने श्री उदय सुरेशकुमार कोटक को व्यापार और उद्योग के क्षेत्र में पद्म भूषण प्रदान किया। श्री कोटक एक प्रतिष्ठित भारतीय बैंकर और वित्तीय सेवा क्षेत्र के अग्रणी हैं। उन्हें भारत के अग्रणी निजी क्षेत्र के बैंकों में से एक के निर्माण में अपने परिवर्तनकारी… pic.twitter.com/gFjRWAKhd7
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
President Droupadi Murmu posthumously conferred the Padma Bhushan upon Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra in the field of Public Affairs. Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra was a distinguished Indian politician, educationist, and sports administrator. He served as the President of the Archery Association of India for over 40 years and brought global recognition to the sport. His unblemished reputation, guidance, and contributions have left an indelible mark on Delhi.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने प्रो. विजय कुमार मल्होत्रा को मरणोपरांत सार्वजनिक मामलों के क्षेत्र में पद्म भूषण से सम्मानित किया। प्रो. विजय कुमार मल्होत्रा एक प्रतिष्ठित भारतीय राजनेता, शिक्षाविद और खेल प्रशासक थे। उन्होंने 40 वर्षों से अधिक समय तक भारतीय तीरंदाजी संघ के… pic.twitter.com/537oZ5M7H2
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
President Droupadi Murmu also presented Padma Bhushan in the field of Medicine to Dr. Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy. Dr. Palaniswamy is an eminent gastroenterologist with over four decades of experience. He served the people with dedication during his years in government service and continued serving people even after retirement. He has created awareness on digestive health issues in his capacity as member of World Gastroenterology Organisation. Dr. Palaniswamy remains deeply committed to the welfare of the underprivileged.
https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/2058917831341969488?s=20
President Droupadi Murmu posthumously conferred the Padma Bhushan upon Shri Piyush Pandey in the field of Art. Shri Piyush Pandey was a seminal figure in the world of advertising. His influence was not limited merely to creativity; rather, it encompassed strategic foresight, industry leadership, and a profound understanding of cultural nuances. Iconic campaigns such as ‘Do Boond Zindagi Ki’ for polio eradication and ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’ transcended the realm of advertising to become enduring cultural milestones, the resonance of which has echoed across generations.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने श्री पीयूष पांडे को मरणोपरांत कला के क्षेत्र में पद्म भूषण से सम्मानित किया। श्री पीयूष पांडे विज्ञापन जगत की एक निर्णायक हस्ती थे। उनका प्रभाव केवल रचनात्मकता तक ही सीमित नहीं रहा, बल्कि इसमें रणनीतिक दूरदर्शिता, उद्योग नेतृत्व और सांस्कृतिक… pic.twitter.com/zthlCOUBR4
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Padma Shri: India’s vibrant cultural soul
The list of Padma Shri awardees truly appears to be a living document of India’s diverse cultural consciousness. It encompasses artists dedicated to keeping folk traditions alive, custodians of tribal culture, physicians devoted to medical service, educational reformers, social activists and luminaries from the world of sports.
Harmanpreet Kaur: The resurgence of Indian woman power
The conferral of the Padma Shri upon Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, symbolizes the newfound confidence of Indian womanhood. Under her captaincy, Indian women’s cricket has carved out a distinct identity for itself on the global stage. In a sense, this honor serves as a symbol of a transforming India, an India where daughters are stepping up to lead in every sphere of life.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने सुश्री हरमनप्रीत कौर भुल्लर को खेल के क्षेत्र में पद्म श्री प्रदान किया। सुश्री भुल्लर भारतीय महिला क्रिकेट में एक प्रतिष्ठित खिलाड़ी और प्रेरणादायक शख्सियत हैं। वह अपनी पीढ़ी की सबसे ऊर्जावान और प्रभावशाली क्रिकेटरों में से एक के रूप में उभरी हैं।… pic.twitter.com/FmfF0t9sM8
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Silambam Guru K. Pajahanivel: A living embodiment of values
K. Pajahanivel, a Silambam Guru from Puducherry, became the focal point of special attention during the awards ceremony. The sight of him prostrating himself on the ground to pay obeisance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before even accepting his honor, became a magnificent symbol of Indian culture’s humility, the Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition and deeply ingrained values. This scene demonstrates that the essence of Indianness resides not merely in material achievements, but equally in one’s conduct and humility.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri in the field of Sports to Shri K. Pajanivel. He is a Silambam Master. Silambam is a weapon-based 5000 years old warfare method of Indian martial art originating in Tamil Nadu. In the year 2002, Shri Pajanivel founded "Mamallan… pic.twitter.com/oqmKG1PNYm
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Honors reaching villages, folk arts and unsung practitioners
The most significant feature of the Padma Awards is that they are not confined solely to the glitz and glamour of the metropolitan cities. Individuals working in India’s villages, hilly regions, tribal belts and the realm of folk arts are now gaining national recognition. It is a testament to the greatest strength of a democratic India that even a person engaged in silent, dedicated practice can one day become worthy of a national honor. This is precisely why the Padma Awards serve as a source of inspiration for society at large.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने श्री विश्वबंधु को मरणोपरांत कला के क्षेत्र में पद्म श्री से सम्मानित किया। श्री विश्वबंधु लोक नृत्य के एक अग्रणी प्रवर्तक और बिहार के सबसे प्रतिष्ठित सांस्कृतिक व्यक्तियों में से एक थे। एक प्रख्यात नर्तक, कोरियोग्राफर, गुरु और संस्था-निर्माता के रूप… pic.twitter.com/LT2Iix0ZKb
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
India’s Cultural Message: Knowledge is the ultimate power
Today, the entire world is engaged in a relentless race for material achievements and technological supremacy. In such times, India is conveying a distinct message to the world by honoring knowledge, culture, art, and human values. This is the very same India that gave birth to traditions like Nalanda and Takshashila; the India that bestowed upon the world the wisdom of the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Gita; and the India that has always regarded music, literature, and philosophy as the very foundations of life.
In Indian philosophical thought, Goddess Saraswati is revered as the presiding deity of knowledge, wisdom, creativity, music, and culture. When a scientist is honored for their research, when an artist receives national recognition for their dedicated practice, or when a teacher is acknowledged for their contribution to nation-building. it is, without a doubt, an act of worship dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने श्री तागा राम भील को कला के क्षेत्र में पद्म श्री से सम्मानित किया। जैसलमेर, राजस्थान स्थित मूलसागर में अल्गोजा लोक संगीत संस्थान के निदेशक और संस्थापक, श्री तागा राम भील एक प्रसिद्ध पारंपरिक लोक संगीत कलाकार हैं। वे थार मरुस्थल की अल्गोजा लोक बांसुरी… pic.twitter.com/tdeMm3WuVD
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, India honored itself
Observing this magnificent ceremony evokes a profound sentiment; that Monday was a truly special day at Rashtrapati Bhavan, not merely because awards were being conferred, but because India was, in essence, celebrating its own inner consciousness. It was a moment that proclaimed to the world that this nation recognizes talent, honors dedication and regards its men and women of wisdom as its greatest national pride. Through all these distinguished personalities, India has conveyed the message that true honor here lies not in fame, but in austerity, sacrifice, hard work and contribution to society.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने श्री रतिलाल मोहनलाल बोरीसागर को साहित्य और शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में पद्म श्री से सम्मानित किया। श्री बोरीसागर एक प्रसिद्ध गुजराती लेखक हैं, जो अपनी कॉमिक्स और हास्य लेखन के लिए जाने जाते हैं। अपनी पहली पुस्तक 'मारक मारक' के प्रकाशन के बाद, उन्होंने हास्य… pic.twitter.com/kgs4kr1eKS
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
When the nation salutes talent
Undoubtedly, the Goddess of Eloquence smiles upon Delhi today. For India is paying homage to its talents. Because this nation understands that knowledge is the greatest power. Because here art, literature, science, service and cultural values, are regarded as the very foundations of nation-building.
All in all, today is a magnificent and sublime day, for President Droupadi Murmu has honored 66 distinguished personalities of the country during the first phase of the awards ceremony, following the announcement of the names of 131 Padma Award recipients made on January 25, the eve of Republic Day. During this ceremony, President Murmu conferred 2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan and 58 Padma Shri awards. Among the recipients, Dharmendra Singh Deol (posthumous) and Dr. N. Rajam were honored with the Padma Vibhushan. The recipients of the Padma Bhushan award include Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Uday Suresh Kumar Kotak, Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra (posthumous), Dr. Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswami and Piyush Pandey (posthumous).
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने श्री कैलाश चन्द्र पन्त को साहित्य और शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में पद्म श्री प्रदान किया। श्री कैलाश चन्द्र पन्त मध्य प्रदेश के प्रसिद्ध पत्रकार और लेखक हैं। श्री पन्त को 'कौन किसका आदमी', 'धुंध के आर पार' और 'शब्द का विचार पक्ष' सहित कई अग्रणी पुस्तकों का… pic.twitter.com/uapkoXedvu
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Furthermore, the 58 recipients of the Padma Shri award include Taga Ram Bhil, Vishwabandhu (posthumous), Bharat Singh Bharti, Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar, Janardan Bapurao Bothe, Dr. Gopal Ji Trivedi (posthumous), Swami Brahmadev, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Devaki Amma Ji, Dr. Narayan Vyas, Dr. Ramchandra Godbole, Sunita Godbole, Techi Gubhin, Dr. H.V. Hande, Ghaffaruddin Mewati Jogi, Kailash Chandra Pant, Garimella Balakrishna Prasad (posthumous), Prof. (Dr.) Rajendra Prasad, Dr. R. Sridhar, Dr. Guduru Venkata Rao, Mir Haji Kasam, Raghuveer Khedkar, Prof. Juzar Vasi, R. Krishnan Kitna (posthumous), and Prof. The names include Dr. Lars-Christian Koch, Ratilal Mohanlal Borisagar, Kumar Bose, Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Praveen Kumar, K. Vijay Kumar, Shrirang Devba Lad, Ankegowda M., Professor (Dr.) Saroj Mandal,
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने डॉ. नारायण व्यास को पुरातत्व के क्षेत्र में पद्म श्री से सम्मानित किया। डॉ. नारायण व्यास विश्व-प्रसिद्ध पुरातत्वविद् हैं जिनके योगदान ने मध्य प्रदेश के विश्व धरोहर स्थलों भीमबेटका और सांची तथा गुजरात के 'रानी की वाव' (सीढ़ीदार कुआँ) के संरक्षण और… pic.twitter.com/5fWo8A9MpI
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2026
Prof. Buddha Rashmi Mani, Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala, Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Dr. Kewal Krishan Thakral, Tripti Mukherjee, Harimadhav Mukhopadhyay (Posthumous), Prof. Shyam Sundar, Dr. A. E. Muthunayagam, Satyanarayan Nandalal Nuwal, K. Pazhanivel, Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya, Deepika Reddy, Dr. Palakonda Vijay Anand Reddy, Haricharan Saikia, Prof. Vempati Kutumba Sastry, Prof. Gambhir Singh Yonjan, Prof. Shafi Shauq, Baldev Singh, Yumnam Jatindra Singh (Posthumous), Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Haili War, Sivasankari, Dr. S. G. Sushilamma, N. Swaminathan and Arvind Vaidya.
