President Murmu Honors 66 Legends at Civil Investiture Ceremony

Key Takeaways

• President Droupadi Murmu presented awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 25, 2026.
• 131 total awards approved, with 66 conferred during the first investiture round.
• Dharmendra received posthumous Padma Vibhushan, accepted by wife Hema Malini.
• Notable recipients include Uday Kotak, Piyush Pandey, and violinist N. Rajam.
• Remaining awardees will be felicitated in the second round of the ceremony.

President Droupadi Murmu officially conferred the nation’s highest civilian honors during the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday, May 25, 2026. The event marked the formal recognition of exceptional service and talent across various fields, attended by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. For the year 2026, the President approved a total of 131 Padma Awards 2026, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri distinctions. Although these honors are traditionally announced on Republic Day, the physical investiture took place in May to facilitate the presentation of the medals to the recipients and their families.

During the first phase of the ceremony, President Murmu presented 66 awards, honoring individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their respective professions. The highest honor, the Padma Vibhushan, was awarded posthumously to legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, with the award received by his wife, MP Hema Malini. The President also conferred the Padma Vibhushan on violin virtuoso N. Rajam, acknowledging her revolutionary contribution to classical music. Ms. Rajam was recognized for pioneering the “Gayaki Ang” technique, which allows the violin to emulate human vocals, earning her the global title of the “Singing Violin.”

The Padma Bhushan recipients represented a diverse array of sectors, including politics, corporate leadership, science, and advertising. Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Shatavadhani R. Ganesh, who revived the classical art form of “Avadhana,” were among those honored. Uday Suresh Kumar Kotak, the founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, received the award for his financial sector contributions. Eminent gastroenterologist Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy was also recognized for his medical expertise. Two notable awardees, former MP Vijay Kumar Malhotra and the “ad guru” Piyush Pandey, received the Padma Bhushan posthumously, highlighting their lasting legacy in public service and commercial arts.

The remainder of the recipients were awarded the Padma Shri, a distinguished honor for distinguished service in various fields. Among the cinematic icons, Prosenjit Chatterjee was recognized as one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema. In sports, Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar was honored as an inspirational figure in Indian women’s cricket, while para athlete Praveen Kumar received the award for athletic excellence. Public service was highlighted by former Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director-General K. Vijay Kumar.

Musical and cultural contributions were prominently featured among the Padma Shri recipients. Folk musician Mir Haji Kasam, Tamil devotional music artist N. Swaminathan, and traditional folk music artist Taga Ram Bheel were celebrated for preserving indigenous arts. Silambam master K. Pajanivel was awarded for promoting the ancient martial art originating from Tamil Nadu, and hockey coach Baldev Singh was felicitated for his distinguished service to Indian hockey for over four decades.

Social work and healthcare professionals also received recognition for their grassroots impact. “Kantha” embroidery artist Tripti Mukherjee was honored for her textile artistry. Social worker Janardan Bapurao Bothe and the husband-wife duo Dr. Ramchandra Godbole and Suneeta Godbole were awarded for providing healthcare and social support to tribal communities. The list of Padma Shri recipients further expanded to include environmentalists Devaki Amma G. and Hally War, who have dedicated their lives to ecological preservation.

Intellectual and scientific contributions were also acknowledged. Bibliophile Ankegowda M. was recognized for his literary pursuits, while Sanskrit scholar Vempaty Kutumba Shastry received the award for preserving classical linguistic heritage. Botanist Gambir Singh Yonzone was honored for his research and contributions to the field of plant sciences. These individuals, alongside the others mentioned, represent the multifaceted nature of excellence in India.

Second Round of Felicitations Planned

While the first batch of recipients was honored on Monday, the remaining awardees will be felicitated in a second round of the ceremony scheduled for later. This two-phase approach ensures that all 131 approved honors are presented appropriately, allowing for the logistical coordination required to bring recipients from across the country to Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President’s approval of these 131 awards reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing excellence across a broad spectrum of disciplines, from the arts and sciences to public administration and social welfare.

The Legacy of National Recognition

The 2026 Padma Vibhushan recipients and the broader cohort of awardees continue the tradition of honoring individuals who have significantly impacted Indian society. The inclusion of posthumous awards for figures like Dharmendra and Piyush Pandey underscores the enduring influence of their work. As India progresses, such recognition serves to inspire future generations in fields ranging from classical music and banking to environmental conservation and healthcare. The detailed documentation of these contributions in the Civil Investiture records ensures that the history of national service is preserved for posterity, highlighting the diverse talents that define the nation's cultural and professional landscape.