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Padma Awards 2026: 45 Unsung Grassroots Heroes Honoured on Republic Day Eve

The Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026 recipients on the eve of Republic Day, honouring 45 unsung heroes. The list strongly focuses on individuals from marginalized communities, including Dalits and tribal groups, who have worked at the grassroots for decades. Awardees are recognized for distinguished service in fields like social work, literature, education, and healthcare. The Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awards will be presented by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Key Points: Padma Awards 2026 List Announced, Honors 45 Unsung Heroes

  • Honors grassroots workers
  • Focus on marginalized communities
  • Awards in diverse fields
  • Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
2 min read

Padma Awards 2026 honour unsung heroes from across India; list announced on Republic Day eve

The Padma Awards 2026 list recognizes 45 individuals from marginalized communities for distinguished service in social work, healthcare, and education.

"recognising 45 unsung heroes from across the country for their distinguished service - Official Announcement"

New Delhi, January 25

The list of Padma Awards recipients for 2026 was announced on Sunday on the eve of the Republic Day, recognising 45 unsung heroes from across the country for their distinguished service in diverse fields, including social work, literature and education, healthcare, public service and community welfare.

The awardees include individuals who have worked quietly at the grassroots for decades, many of them hailing from marginalised communities, Dalit and backward sections, primitive tribes and remote or difficult terrains. This year's list reflects a strong focus on people who have dedicated their lives to serving 'Divyangjan', women, children, Dalits and tribal communities, while promoting education, healthcare, sanitation, sustainability and livelihoods.

Among the recipients, Anke Gowda from Karnataka will be conferred the Padma Shri 2026 in the unsung heroes category.

Other awardees include Armida Fernandez, Bhagwandas Raikwar, Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda, Brij Lal Bhat, Budhri Tati, Charan Hembram, Chiranji Lal Yadav, Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya, Gafruddin Mewati Jogi, Inderjit Singh Sidhu, Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G, Kumarasamy Thangaraj, Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, Mohan Nagar, Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala, Nuruddin Ahmed, Padma Gurmet, Pokhila Lekthepi, Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar, Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar, Rama Reddy Mamidi, Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole, Sangyusang S Pongener, Shafi Shauq, Shrirang Devaba Lad, Simanchal Patro, Taga Ram Bheel, Techi Gubin and Yumnam Jatra Singh.

The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours of the country and are conferred in three categories -- Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.

The awards are given across a wide range of disciplines such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports and civil service.

The Padma Awards are presented by the President of India at ceremonial functions held every year at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
While I appreciate the intent, I respectfully feel the process could be more transparent. How are these unsung heroes identified? Is there a public nomination system that's widely known? Sometimes it feels like we only hear about them after the announcement.
A
Aman W
Seeing names from primitive tribes and remote terrains on the list is the best part. These people preserve our culture and work for their communities against all odds. Padma Shri for them is a fitting tribute. 🙏
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in Indian public health, I'm thrilled to see Dr. Armida Fernandez on the list. Her work with mothers and newborns in Mumbai's slums is legendary. This recognition is long overdue.
K
Karthik V
Every year this list gives me hope. It shows that in our diverse country, service and dedication are valued above everything else. I will look up each of these heroes to learn their stories. A great Republic Day gift to the nation!
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Nidhi U
Focus on 'Divyangjan', sanitation, and tribal livelihoods is commendable. These are the real issues at the grassroots. Hope this inspires more youth to work in the social sector and not just chase corporate jobs.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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