President Murmu confers Padma Awards 2026 to 131 recipients

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Awards 2026 at a Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday, honoring 131 recipients from fields including art, sports, medicine, and public affairs. The event, which took place in the Gantantra Mandap, was attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among other dignitaries.

Among the highest honors, the Padma Vibhushan was awarded posthumously to veteran actor Dharmendra for his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema. His wife, actor and Bharatiya Janata Party member of Parliament Hema Malini, received the award on his behalf. Classical violinist N. Rajam was also conferred the Padma Vibhushan for her pioneering work in Indian classical music, particularly for revolutionizing violin performance through the Gayaki Ang style.

The Padma Bhushan was presented to several notable figures, including former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, banker Uday Kotak, and singer Alka Yagnik. Advertising legend Piyush Pandey received the award posthumously, with his wife Neeta Joshi accepting the honor. Actor Mammootty was also among the...