"Padma Awards celebrate exceptional service and dedication": PM Modi
New Delhi, June 23
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that life journeys of Padma Awardees inspire countless citizens and remind everyone of the "power of hard work and service."
PM Modi said this after attending the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where 65 Padma Awards 2026 were conferred by President Droupadi Murmu. The first Civil Investiture Ceremony was held on May 26, during which 66 Padma Awards were presented.
In a post shared on X, PM Modi said the Padma Awards celebrate the exceptional service and dedication across diverse fields.
"Attended the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the Padma Awards were presented. They celebrate exceptional service and dedication across diverse fields. Each awardee represents the best of our commitment to society. Their life journeys inspire countless citizens and remind everyone of the power of hard work and service," he wrote on X.
A total of 65 Padma Awards including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan and 56 Padma Shri awards were presented during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony,.
The Padma Vibhushan was conferred upon P Narayanan and Justice (Retd.) K T Thomas, while several prominent personalities were honoured across categories.
Veteran sports personalities, artists, filmmakers and public figures were among the awardees.
Hockey player Savita Punia and late Bhagwandas Raikwar were among those conferred the Padma Shri for their contribution to sports, while tennis legend Vijay Amritraj was awarded the Padma Bhushan.
Former Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma was also conferred the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cricket, including leading India to major ICC titles.
Actor Mammootty received the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian cinema, while veteran singer Alka Yagnik was also conferred the Padma Bhushan for her contribution to music.
Actor R Madhavan was conferred the Padma Shri, while late actor Satish Shah was honoured posthumously for his contribution to cinema.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees! While celebrating stars like Rohit and Alka Yagnik is fine, I really appreciate that people like Justice K. T. Thomas and P. Narayanan got the Padma Vibhushan for their contributions to law and social work. The process of selection does seem politicized sometimes, but seeing genuine efforts being recognized gives hope. Keep inspiring!
The true heroes are the ones from grassroots levels. Savita Punia deserves this for her stellar hockey performances. And Vijay Amritraj, what a legend! The Padma awards truly celebrate the diversity of fields - from sports and cinema to social work. Modi ji's message about their life journeys inspiring citizens is spot on. This is the real strength of India - our people.
I appreciate the diversity of fields honored here - from hockey to cinema to law. R. Madhavan getting a Padma Shri is well-deserved; he's been a versatile actor for decades. Wish more international sports like cricket got such recognition earlier for legends, but it's a good step. God bless India and its talented citizens!
So happy for R. Madhavan and Satish Shah (posthumous) - both have given us so many memorable performances. Alka Yagnik getting Padma Bhushan is a "tadka" of emotions! 🎶 Still, I hope next time we see more awardees from under-celebrated fields like farming, education, or local artisans. But overall, a proud day for India!
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