Why in News?
The Government of India has announced 131 Padma Awards on the eve of Republic Day 2026. The awards include 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients.
Key Highlights:
Conferred by the President of India.
Total Awards (2026)
- Padma Vibhushan – 5
- Padma Bhushan – 13
- Padma Shri – 113
Padma Vibhushan 2026 Awardees:
- Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) – Art – Maharashtra
- K T Thomas – Public Affairs – Kerala
- N Rajam – Art – Uttar Pradesh
- P Narayanan – Literature & Education – Kerala
- V S Achuthanandan (Posthumous) – Public Affairs – Kerala
About Padma awards:
- Instituted in 1954
- Among the highest civilian awards in India, after the Bharat Ratna.
- Padma Vibhushan – Exceptional and distinguished service (2nd highest civilian award)
- Padma Bhushan – Distinguished service of a high order (3rd highest)
- Padma Shri – Distinguished service in any field (4th highest)
