In a proud moment for the state, fifteen distinguished individuals from Maharashtra have been honored with the prestigious Padma Awards as part of the Republic Day 2026 celebrations. The awards were announced by President Droupadi Murmu, recognizing exceptional contributions across various fields.
Comprehensive List of Padma Awardees
A total of 131 Padma Awards were conferred this year, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, thirteen Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. Among the notable recipients from Maharashtra are several remarkable personalities whose work has left an indelible mark on society.
Padma Shri Awardees from Maharashtra
The Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, has been bestowed upon numerous Maharashtrians for their outstanding achievements:
- Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda: A Warli tribal musician from Palghar who has preserved and promoted indigenous musical traditions
- Raghuvir Khedkar: A celebrated Tamasha artist with an extraordinary career spanning five decades and over 12,000 performances
- Shrirang Lad: An innovative farmer and agricultural pioneer who has contributed significantly to farming practices
- Satyanaran Nuwal: Chairman of Solar Industries, specializing in advanced defence technologies
- Ashok Khade: A successful entrepreneur leading an offshore fabrication company
- Janardan Bothe: A dedicated social worker making substantial contributions to community development
- Juzer Vasi: Professor Emeritus at IIT Bombay, recognized for his academic excellence and research contributions
National-Level Award Recipients
Beyond Maharashtra, several prominent national figures received Padma Awards this year:
Padma Vibhushan was awarded posthumously to legendary actor Dharmendra Singh Deol, honoring his monumental contribution to Indian cinema.
Padma Bhushan recipients include noted playback singer Alka Yagnik, advertising professional Piyush Pandey (posthumously), and prominent banker Uday Kotak.
Among the Padma Shri awardees are former Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, acclaimed actor R Madhavan, and veteran actor Satish Shah (posthumously). Dr. Armida Fernandez was also honored with the Padma Shri for her groundbreaking work in neonatology.
Significance of the Awards
The Padma Awards represent the highest civilian honors in India, recognizing exceptional service and achievement in various disciplines. The 2026 awards particularly highlight the diverse talent emerging from Maharashtra, showcasing the state's rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit.
These awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also inspire future generations to pursue excellence in their respective fields. The recognition of artists, farmers, entrepreneurs, academics, and social workers demonstrates the government's commitment to honoring contributions across all sectors of society.
The Republic Day 2026 Padma Awards list reflects India's commitment to celebrating excellence and service to the nation, with Maharashtra making a particularly strong showing this year through its fifteen distinguished awardees.
