The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented 66 prestigious civilian decorations during a formal civil investiture ceremony at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
This initial phase forms part of the 131 total Padma Awards approved for 2026 on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, specifically comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri accolades.
The grand event took place before high-profile dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Among the supreme recognitions, legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra Singh Deol, who passed away in November 2025, was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his lifelong artistic service across 300 films. His wife, actor and BJP Member of Parliament Hema Malini, accepted the award on his behalf, causing their daughter, Ahana Deol to weep openly in the audience.
Renowned classical violinist N Rajam also received the Padma Vibhushan for pioneering her vocal-replicating 'Gayaki Ang' musical style.
Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur also bagged Padmashri marking history as the only female cricketer to receive the honour this year. Concurrently, the third-highest honour, the Padma Bhushan, was awarded in person to veteran Malayalam star Mammootty and playback singer Alka Yagnik for their immense contributions to Indian cinema and music.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren was also named for the Padma Bhushan, whilst Bengali cinema icon Prosenjit Chatterjee received the Padma Shri in traditional attire to celebrate over four decades of cinematic legacy. The remaining 2026 laureates will be decorated in a subsequent investiture ceremony scheduled later this year.
