Excitement builds in New Delhi as sources leak the Padma Awards 2026 list on Sunday, pre-Republic Day. Standouts include Kailash Chand, Braj Lal Bhatt, and Dr. Shyam Sundar, awaiting formal announcement.
Padma honors recognize civilians’ stellar, often overlooked efforts amid life’s toughest battles. From marginalized castes, tribes, and isolated locales, these heroes prioritized service over self.
They’ve revolutionized health—combating hemophilia, launching India’s inaugural human milk bank—while fostering education, economic opportunities, hygiene, eco-sustainability, and empowerment for the underprivileged. Border unity, indigenous language revival, ancient combat forms, fading crafts, handlooms, biodiversity protection, and cleanliness campaigns mark their triumphs.
The roster boasts Anke Gowda, Armida Fernandes, Bhagwandas Raikwar, Bhiklya Ladkya Dhinda, Brij Lal Bhat, Budhri Tati, Charan Hembram, Chiranjilal Yadav, Dharmik Lal Chunilal Pandya, Gafaruddin Mewati Jogi, Hailey War, Inderjeet Singh Sidhu, K Pajanivel, Kailash Chandra Pant, Khem Raj Sundriyal, Kollakkayil Devki Amma Ji, Kumarswami Thangraj, Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Meer Haji Bhai Kasam Bhai, Mohan Nagar, Naresh Chandra Dev Verma, Nilesh Vinodchand Mandlevala, Nooruddin Ahmad, Othuvur Thiruthani Swaminathan, Padma Gurmet, Pokhila Lekthepi, Punniyamoorthy Natesan, R Krishnan, Raghu Pat Singh, Raghuvir Tukaram Khedkar, Rajastapati Kaliyappa Gounder, Rama Reddy Mamidi, Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole, S G Sushilamma, Sangyusang S Pongener, Shafi Shauk, Shrirang Devaba Lad, Shyam Sundar, Simanchal Patro, Suresh Hangavadi, Taga Ram Bhil, Techi Gubin, Thiruvarur Bakthavatsalam, Vish Bandhu Ok, and Yumnam Jatra Singh.
These narratives of grit and generosity reaffirm India’s spirit of compassion and progress.