Padma Awards 2026: Dharmendra, Harmanpreet Kaur Among 66 Honoured by President Murmu

Overview

On 25 May 2026, President Droupadi Murmu gave Padma Awards to 66 people at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Late actor Dharmendra received Padma Vibhushan. Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur got Padma Shri. The ceremony honoured art, sports, medicine, and public service.

A Day of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The air was filled with pride and joy on 25th May 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Awards 2026 to 66 distinguished personalities. This was the first Civil Investiture Ceremony of the year. The event recognised people who have done exceptional work in art, sports, medicine, public affairs, and industry. Families, friends, and top leaders of the country gathered to celebrate their achievements. The President presented the awards with warmth and respect. It was a reminder that India values those who serve the nation with passion and dedication.

What Happened at the Padma Awards 2026 Ceremony?

The first Civil Investiture Ceremony for Padma Awards 2026 was held on 25th May 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During the event, the President presented awards to 66 eminent personalities. The break-up of awards was:

• 2 Padma Vibhushan  (India’s second-highest civilian award)

• 6 Padma Bhushan  (third-highest civilian award)

• 58 Padma Shri  (fourth-highest civilian award)

The ceremony witnessed the presence of several top dignitaries. These included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and H. D. Kumaraswamy. The event marked the first phase of the Padma Awards presentation for the year 2026. A second ceremony will be held later in the year to honour the remaining awardees.

Major Padma Vibhushan Recipients

The biggest highlight of the ceremony was the conferring of the Padma Vibhushan. This is India’s second-highest civilian award, given for exceptional and distinguished service.

Late Actor Dharmendra  – Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra Singh Deol was awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. He received this honour for his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema and the arts. His wife, actor and Member of Parliament Hema Malini, received the award on his behalf. Dharmendra remains one of Indian cinema’s most iconic figures. He was known for decades of impactful performances that touched millions of hearts. From romantic roles to action films, he did it all with natural charm.

Dr N. Rajam  – Renowned violin maestro Dr N. Rajam was also conferred the Padma Vibhushan. She received it for her exceptional contribution to Indian classical music. Her recognition highlights the continued national appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage. For decades, she has mesmerised audiences with her melodious violin playing. She has also trained many young musicians.

Key Padma Bhushan Awardees

Multiple distinguished personalities were honoured with the Padma Bhushan, which is India’s third-highest civilian award. It is given for distinguished service of a high order. Notable recipients included:

• Bhagat Singh Koshyari  – Public Affairs. He has served as a chief minister and governor, contributing to public life for many years.

• Dr R Ganesh  – Art. He is