India has long tradition of recognising individual who contribute exceptionally to society. Among the most prestigious recognition are the Padma Awards, which honours people from diverse backgrounds for their distinguished service to the nation.
Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours in India. They are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day (January 26) and conferred by President of India. The purpose of this awards is to recognise distinguished contribution in various fields such as art literature, science, public service, social work, education, industry, sports, and more.
Categories of Padma Awards
There are three main categories:
Padma Vibhushan
- This award was given for exceptional and distinguished service in Any field.
- It is the second highest civilian award in India, after the Bharat Ratna.
- given in fields like public service, science, art, literature, and social work.
Padma Bhushan
- Awarded for distinguished service of a high order.
- recognises excellence at national or international levels
Padma Shri
- Awarded for distinguished service in any field.
- the most widely conferred Padma Award
- Often honours grassroots contributors and unsung heroes.
Note: The Padma Awards are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to a person’s name. (as like doctor and engineer that was used before person name.) [Article 18 of Indian constitution talk about this].
Fields of Recognition
Padma Awards are conferred in diverse fields, including:
- Art and Culture
- Literature and Education
- Science and Engineering
- Medicine
- Social Work
- Public Affairs
- Sports
- Trade and Industry
- Civil Service
Selection and Nomination Process
- Nominations are open to the public
- Anyone can nominate an individual through the official Padma Awards portal
- Recommendation are examined by the Padma Awards committee, appointed by Prime Minister
- Final approval is given by the President of India
Importantly, self-nomination is not allowed, and awards are not considered titles under Article 18 of the Indian constitution.
Significance of Padma Awards
The Padma Awards symbolise:
- Recognition of national service
- Encouragement of grassroots leadership
- Celebration of India’s diversity and Excellence
- Inspiration of future generations
In recent years, the government has emphasised awarding “people’s Padma”, highlighting contribution from rural areas, women achievers, and social innovators.
Difference between Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards
Bharat Ratna is the India’s highest civilian award and is distinct from the Padma Awards. While the Bharat is awarded very rarely for exceptional national service, the Padma Awards are conferred annually across multiple categories and fields.
| Features | Bharat Ratna | Padma Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Highest Civilian Award | Second to Fourth |
| Frequency | Rare | Annual |
| Categories | Single | Three (Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri) |
| Purpose | Exceptional National Service | Distinguished Service in Various Fields |
In 2026, the Government of India approved 131 Padma Awards in different domain by recognising outstanding achievements.
PADMA VIBHUSHAN (5) in 2026
| Name of Padma Vibhushan Awardee | Field | State |
|---|---|---|
| Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) | Maharastra | |
| Shri K T Thomas | Public Affairs | |
| Ms. N Rajam | Art | |
| Shri P Narayanan | Literature and Education | |
| Shri V S Achuthanandan (Posthumous) | Kerala |
1. Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) Maharashtra
2. Shri K T Thomas Public Affairs
3. Ms. N Rajam – Art
4. Shri P Narayanan Literature and Education Kerala
5. Shri V S Achuthanandan (Posthumous) Kerala
PADMA BHUSHAN (13) in 2026
1. Ms. Alka Yagnik Art
2. Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari Public Affairs Uttarakhand
3. Shri Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy Tamil Nadu + Shri Mammootty Art
4. Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu Medicine United States of America
5. Shri Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) Art Maharashtra
6. Shri S K M Maeilanandhan Social Work Tamiil Nadu
7. Shri Shatavadhani R Ganesh Art Karnataka
8. Shri Shibu Soren (Posthumous) Public Affairs Jharkhand
9. Shri Uday Kotak Trade and industry Maharashtra Maharashtra
10. Shri V K Malhotra (Posthumous) Public Affairs Delhi
11. Shri Vellappally Natesan Public Affairs Kerala
12. Shri Vijay Amritraj Sports United States of America
