Journalist P. Narayanan, actors Mammootty, R Madhavan and singer Alka Yagnik among recipient
Our Correspondent
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan this evening. Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian awards of the country, are conferred in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Journalist P. Narayanan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in the category of Literature and Education and former judge KT Tomas was given the Padma Vibhushan in social work.
This year, the Government had announced a total of 131 Padma Awards. These include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. Padma Bhushan was given to seven persons, including former tennis player Vijay Amritraj, actor Mammootty, and playback singer Alka Yagnik. Politician Shibu Soren was awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously. Fifty-seven persons received the Padmashree award, including cricketer Rohit Sharma, actor R Madhavan and former Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati. Actor Satish Shah was given the Padmashree posthumously. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were among those who were present on the occasion. Suparna Saikia, Akashvani News, Delhi.
Former India captain Rohit was honoured for his contribution to cricket, having led the national side to titles at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Tennis great Vijay Amritraj received the Padma Bhushan. A former world No. 18 in singles, Amritraj won 15 singles and 13 doubles titles during a career spanning more than two decades.
Among the other awardees, late Bhagwandas Raikwar was posthumously conferred the Padma Shri for promoting Bundelkhand’s traditional akhada-based martial arts. His son Rajkumar Raikwar received the award on his behalf. Late Vladimir Mestvirishvili was also honoured with the Padma Shri posthumously for his contribution as a coach, becoming the first foreign coach to receive a Padma award.
President Droupadi Murmu presented 65 Padma Awards at the ceremony, including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan and 56 Padma Shri awards. The first Civil Investiture Ceremony for the Padma Awards 2026 was held on May 26, during which 66 awards were conferred.