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Reetesh kumar
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On the eve of Republic Day (January 25, 2026), the Government of India announced the Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honors in the country. President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of 131 awards this year, spanning diverse fields like Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science, and Sports.
The 2026 list is particularly notable for its heavy representation from the film industry and sports, alongside 45 "Unsung Heroes" who have made significant grassroots contributions.
1. Padma Vibhushan (5 Awardees)
Conferred for exceptional and distinguished service, this is the second-highest civilian award.
2. Padma Bhushan (13 Awardees)
Conferred for distinguished service of a high order.
3. Padma Shri (113 Awardees)
Conferred for distinguished service in any field. This category highlights popular figures and grassroots workers.
Award Breakdown and Diversity
The 2026 honors list reflects a broad demographic and geographic spread:
| Category | Total Count |
|---|---|
| Padma Vibhushan | 05 |
| Padma Bhushan | 13 |
| Padma Shri | 113 |
| Total | 131 |
Key Statistics:
- Women: 19 recipients.
- Posthumous: 16 awards (including Dharmendra and Shibu Soren).
- Foreigners/NRI/OCI: 6 awardees (including Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu from the USA).
- Unsung Heroes: 45 individuals, such as Anke Gowda (a former bus conductor who built a library of 2 million books).