“Opinion | How Modi Govt Democratised The Padma Awards”, News 18, January 26, 2026
“The list of Padma awardees was announced on January 25, 2026, 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 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.
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.
Actor Dharmendra Deol and former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan have been awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren, singer Alka Yagnik, tennis maestro Vijay Amritraj, Malayalam superstar Mammootty, and advertising veteran Piyush Pandey are among the recipients of the Padma Bhushan. Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been honoured with the Padma Shri……”
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