Padma Awards 2026: President Droupadi Murmu To Confer 66 Padma Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 25

President Droupadi Murmu will present 66 Padma awards on Monday, May 25, during the first civil investiture ceremony of 2026 at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The prestigious civilian honors to be conferred during this initial session include two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan, and 58 Padma Shri awards.

Dignitaries and Selection Metrics

The high-profile state ceremony will be attended by prominent national leaders, including Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside several Union cabinet ministers and senior officials. BC Khanduri Dies: President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi Express Grief Over Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri’s Demise, Say ‘Extremely Heartbreaking’.

For the year 2026, President Murmu has approved a total of 131 Padma awards, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri honors. Government sources confirmed that the remaining awardees will receive their honors during a second investiture ceremony scheduled for a later date.

Focus on Unsung Heroes and Marginalised Communities

A defining characteristic of this year's list is the deliberate recognition of grassroots change-makers. According to official sources, the 2026 honors place a heavy emphasis on a diverse spectrum of 45 "unsung heroes" from across the nation. Many of the selected recipients belong to marginalized demographics, including Dalit communities, primitive tribes, and residents of geographically remote or difficult terrains. Official documentation notes that these individuals have dedicated their lifetimes to addressing critical societal needs, specifically supporting disabled persons, women, children, and tribal populations through targeted initiatives in healthcare, education, sanitation, and sustainable livelihood creation. Maharashtra Day 2026: President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi Extend Greetings on State Formation Day.

Background and Structure of the Padma Awards

Traditionally announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, the Padma awards stand among India's highest civilian honors. The state recognitions are awarded across a broad range of disciplines, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature, education, sports, and civil service. The three tiers of the decoration represent distinct levels of national acknowledgment:

• Padma Vibhushan: Conferred for exceptional and distinguished service.
• Padma Bhushan: Conferred for distinguished service of a high order.
• Padma Shri: Conferred for distinguished service in any field.

The remaining cohort of the 131 approved recipients for this calendar year will be accommodated in the upcoming second phase of the civil investiture.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 24, 2026 11:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).