New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Awards 2026 on several distinguished personalities from the fields of sports, cinema, music, public affairs, science and social service during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. A total of 65 Padma Awards, including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan and 56 Padma Shri awards, were presented during the ceremony.
Among the prominent recipients was former India cricket captain Rohit Sharma, who was honoured with the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket. Veteran India women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia was also conferred the Padma Shri for her achievements in the sport. Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj received the Padma Bhushan in recognition of his contribution to Indian sports.
The ceremony also saw celebrated personalities from the entertainment industry being honoured. Veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty and legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik were presented the Padma Bhushan for their immense contribution to Indian cinema and music respectively. Actor R. Madhavan was among those conferred with the Padma Shri.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren was also among the eminent personalities honoured at the ceremony. The Padma Awards, one of India’s highest civilian honours, recognise exceptional and distinguished service in various disciplines including art, literature, education, sports, medicine, social work, science and public affairs.
The Government had announced a total of 131 Padma Awards for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day. The awards are presented in multiple investiture ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among the dignitaries present during the ceremony.
