President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma awards on 65 eminent personalities during the second civil investiture ceremony at the Gantantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. The recipients included tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, acclaimed actor Mammootty, and playback singer Alka Yagnik, who were honored for their distinguished contributions in their respective fields.
Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan Awardees
Among the top honors, President Murmu presented the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, to former Supreme Court judge K. T. Thomas for his contributions to public affairs, and to eminent Malayalam journalist P. Narayanan for his work in literature and education. The Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, was awarded to Alka Yagnik, Mammootty, American oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori, tennis player Vijay Amritraj, industrialist S. K. M. Maeilanandhan, and social worker and educationist Vellappally Natesan. Additionally, Rupi Soren, wife of JMM founder Shibu Soren, received the Padma Bhushan on behalf of the late leader.
Details of the Ceremony
The second civil investiture ceremony saw the distribution of two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri awards. Earlier, on May 25, the President had conferred 65 Padma awards in the first civil investiture ceremony, including two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri. The government had announced a total of 131 Padma awards for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day, including five Padma Vibhushan awards.
Understanding the Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India, conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. These awards recognize achievements across various disciplines, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.
