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'PadMan' Arunachalam Muruganantham Listed as 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee

Social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham, known as 'PadMan,' has been listed as a nominee for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination was submitted by a Dean from Aravind Eye Hospital and American teams, and accepted within 24 hours. Muruganantham gained fame for introducing low-cost sanitary pads in rural India, inspiring the Bollywood film 'PadMan'. He is among 287 candidates, including 208 individuals and 79 organizations, for the prestigious award.

Key Points: PadMan Arunachalam Muruganantham Nominated for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

  • Social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham nominated for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
  • He introduced low-cost sanitary pads in rural India
  • Nomination submitted by a Dean from Aravind Eye Hospital and American teams
  • 287 candidates nominated, including 208 individuals and 79 organizations
2 min read

'PadMan' Arunachalam Muruganantham listed as nominee for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

Social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham, known as 'PadMan,' is nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. He revolutionized menstrual hygiene in rural India.

"I couldn't believe it at first... I'm really proud... - Arunachalam Muruganantham"

Coimbatore, May 3

Social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham, who is famously known as the 'Padman,' on Sunday claimed that he has been listed as a nominee for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.

"I couldn't believe it at first... For the Nobel Prize, you cannot submit your name, nor can your friends or family. It has to be a third party... A Dean from Aravind Eye Hospital of Pondicherry and American teams working there submitted my name for the Nobel... It was accepted within 24 hours... I'm really proud...", Muruganantham told ANI.

There are 287 candidates nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for 2026, of which 208 are individuals, and 79 are organisations, as per the official website of The Nobel Prize.

"However, the deliberations and assessments do not take place in a vacuum: for each candidate and topic, it seeks evaluations from some of the world's leading experts, from academics with deep knowledge of the specific areas in which the candidates are engaged. The committee also review a large selection of scholarly articles and other background material," the website added.

Arunachalam Muruganantham is a social activist from Tamil Nadu who introduced low-cost sanitary pads to villages in India. He was also the inspiration behind Akshay Kumar-starrer 'PadMan'.

Directed by R Balki, the film also featured Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor. 'PadMan' also went on to win the National Award for Best Film.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Amazing achievement! I studied about him during my global health course at university. His approach to solving a basic problem with affordable innovation is exactly what the Nobel Peace Prize should recognise.
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Priya S
Happy for him, but let's not forget the thousands of grassroots workers who are actually distributing these pads and educating women. Hope the recognition translates into more support for their work on ground.
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Michael C
Well deserved! I remember watching 'PadMan' and being inspired by his story. He broke taboos and saved lives. Hope he wins!
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Vikram M
What an honour just to be nominated! But with 287 candidates, it's a tough competition. Regardless, his legacy is already cemented in Indian history. Kudos to the Aravind Eye Hospital team for nominating him!
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Ananya R
Just a small point - the article says 2026 Nobel Peace Prize but nominations for 2025 haven't even been announced yet. Is the date correct? Still, happy for the recognition of his work on women's health ❤️

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