President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday to present the Padma Awards for 2026 [1].
The ceremony recognizes distinguished contributions across various fields in India, serving as one of the nation's highest civilian honors to acknowledge exceptional achievement and public service.
The event took place at the Ganatantra Mandap within the Rashtrapati Bhawan complex [2]. During the proceedings on Monday, the president conferred awards upon 66 individuals [1]. These recipients are part of a larger group of 131 people selected for Padma Awards in 2026 [1].
Among the notable moments of the investiture, Hema Malini received the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of the late Dharmendra [3]. The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in the country, signifying a rare level of distinction.
The investiture ceremony is a formal process where the president personally hands the medals and certificates to the honorees. The selection process for these awards typically involves nominations from the public and rigorous screening by the government to ensure the recipients have made significant impacts in art, social work, public affairs, science, and trade.
“President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday to present the Padma Awards for 2026”
The Padma Awards serve as a primary mechanism for the Indian state to validate excellence and social contribution. By honoring 131 individuals in 2026, the government continues its tradition of recognizing both high-profile figures and grassroots contributors, reinforcing national identity through the celebration of diverse achievements.
