11 Bengal Icons Honored with Padma Shri 2026: A Celebration of Excellence
In a proud moment for West Bengal, 11 accomplished individuals from the state have been named for the prestigious Padma Shri awards in 2026, as per an official statement released on Sunday. This recognition spans diverse fields, from cinema and music to science and handicrafts, highlighting the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of Bengal.
Prosenjit Chatterjee: A Cinematic Legend
Prosenjit Chatterjee, a stalwart of Bengali cinema, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his immense contributions to the film industry. This honor comes on the heels of his recent film Bijaynagarer Heere, marking his return to the big screen after a four-year hiatus. With a career spanning over five decades, Prosenjit has acted in more than 350 films, including ventures in Hindi cinema, television series, and web series.
His journey began as a child artist in the 1968 film Chotto Jigyasa, directed by his father, Biswajit Chatterjee. He made his lead debut in 1983 with Duti Pata. Prosenjit's influence extends far beyond Bengali cinema, earning him nationwide fame and a massive filmography that continues to inspire generations.
Jyotish Debnath: Preserving Silk Weaving Traditions
Jyotish Debnath from Kalna in Purba Bardhaman district is being recognized for his mastery in the art of making fine muslin Jamdani. Using only hand-spun cotton, he has spent four decades preserving traditional weaving techniques. Alongside his son Rajib, he has trained over 10,000 weavers by hand, ensuring the survival of this art form that once thrived under royal patronage.
The Debnath family specializes in high-count muslin, employing ultra-fine cotton yarns and traditional methods. They strengthen cotton yarn with rice starch and weave intricate Jamdani motifs using a needle, creating an embroidery-like effect. Their products are renowned for their beauty, softness, and durability, making them a symbol of Bengal's artistic legacy.
Other Notable Awardees
The list of Padma Shri recipients from Bengal includes several other distinguished personalities:
- Dr Saroj Mandal: A practicing cardiologist with 20 years of experience, specializing in cardiac imaging, angioplasty, stenting, and pacemaker implantations. He is an MBBS from the University of Calcutta, with an MD and DM in Cardiology, and has contributed to five books and published over 100 articles.
- Kumar Bose: A renowned tabla musician and composer, recognized for his contributions to Indian classical music. Born in 1953, he is a leading exponent of the Benares gharana and a previous Sangeet Natak Akademi award winner.
- Ashok Kumar Haldar: A Dalit author awarded the Padma Shri in Literature and Education. A former railway guard, his literary work explores philosophical themes and societal observations. He expressed that this recognition serves as an inspiration for the Dalit community.
- Dr Gambhir Singh Yonzone: A noted botanist and educator from Darjeeling, awarded for his contributions to plant taxonomy and environmental development in the Himalayas. He advocates for regional development and encourages the younger generation to work hard with sincerity and honesty.
- Hari Madhab Mukhopadhyay: An eminent theatre personality from Balurghat, posthumously named for the Padma Shri. He founded the Tritertha theatre group in 1969 and produced notable plays like Teen Bigyani and Galileo.
- Mahendra Nath Roy: A renowned chemistry professor awarded for his contributions to literature and education. With a career spanning four decades, he has authored 14 books, guided over 85 PhD students, and pioneered nanozyme research.
- Tripti Mukherjee: A Kantha embroiderer from Birbhum's Suri, recognized for promoting Kantha stitch handicrafts. She has impacted over 20,000 local women through free training and supports tribal communities with essential resources.
Conclusion
The Padma Shri awards for 2026 celebrate the diverse talents and contributions of individuals from West Bengal, spanning fields from arts and culture to science and social work. This recognition not only honors their achievements but also inspires future generations to pursue excellence with dedication and integrity.
