On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, the Government of India has officially announced the winners of the Padma Awards 2026. This year, the President has approved 131 awards, celebrating a diverse group ranging from cinematic legends and sporting icons to "unsung heroes" who have dedicated their lives to grassroots service.
Cinematic Legends and Public Icons
The headline of the Padma Awards 2026 is the posthumous conferral of the Padma Vibhushan upon the legendary "He-Man" of Indian cinema, Dharmendra. Having passed away in late 2024, the actor is recognized for his six-decade-long contribution to Art. Joining him in the highest tier of honors are legal luminary K.T. Thomas and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandhan (posthumous).
In the music and entertainment world, the soulful Alka Yagnik has been honored with the Padma Bhushan, alongside South Indian superstar Mammootty and the veteran politician Shibu Soren (posthumous).
Cricket's "Hitman" Scores High
In the field of sports, the Padma Awards 2026 celebrates India's recent triumphs on the global stage. Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has been awarded the Padma Shri. This honor comes as a tribute to his leadership and his role in India's recent ICC trophy successes. Joining the sports roster is women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur and hockey veteran Savita Punia, highlighting a strong year for Indian athletics.
Celebrating the "Unsung Heroes"
The true heart of the Padma Awards 2026 lies in the recognition of individuals who have worked far from the spotlight.
-
Anke Gowda (The Bibliophile): A former bus conductor from Karnataka, Gowda sold his house to build "Pustaka Mane," a library housing over 2 million books. He receives the Padma Shri for his incredible contribution to literacy.
-
Budhari Tati (Bastar’s ‘Badi Didi’): Hailing from the Naxal-affected Dantewada, Tati has spent her life empowering women and running orphanages. She has walked through over 500 villages to promote self-reliance.
-
Inderjit Singh Sidhu: At 88, this former Punjab DIG spends his mornings cleaning the streets of Chandigarh with a sanitation cart, proving that service to the nation never truly retires.
-
Ghaffaruddin Mewati Jogi: Recognized for preserving the rare folk tradition of ‘Pandun Ka Kada,’ he is the last surviving singer of this unique art form.
Why This Matters Now
The 2026 selection reflects a shift toward inclusivity, focusing heavily on social impact and cultural preservation. By honoring people like Anke Gowda alongside global stars like Rohit Sharma, the government continues to bridge the gap between celebrity and community service, reinforcing the idea that "Extraordinary lives often start in ordinary places."
Practical Takeaway: These awards remind us that impact isn't measured by fame, but by consistency. Whether it's preserving a language or cleaning a street, every effort counts toward the nation’s fabric.
