7 months ago
Padma Awards 2026 Highlight Political Figures
On the eve of Republic Day 2026, the Indian government announced the Padma Awards, which honor people for their outstanding work in different areas.
Some of the winners include actors like Dharmendra and Mammootty, a former chief minister from Kerala named VS Achuthanandan who got the award after he passed away, and a space scientist.
The awards were given to people from many states, including some where elections will happen soon.
This made some people think the awards might have political reasons.
Also, the government gave bravery awards to soldiers for their courage in difficult situations.
The highest bravery award, called the Ashok Chakra, was given to a group captain who went to space.
Other soldiers received awards for their brave actions in different operations.
The Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, was awarded to five people, including actor Dharmendra and former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan posthumously.
Three of the five Padma Vibhushan recipients were from Kerala, a state with upcoming elections, along with other award recipients from states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam that will also see elections.
The Padma Awards were seen as having political implications, with the government honoring figures from various states, including ideological opponents.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, for becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
Other gallantry awards included the Kirti Chakra for Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Major Arshdeep Singh, and Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba for their bravery in different operations.
- Who
- Various notable figures including politicians, actors, and industrialists
- What
- Announcement of Padma Awards 2026 and Republic Day gallantry awards
- Where
- India
- When
- Announced on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, 2026
- Why
- To recognize exceptional and distinguished service in various fields
Key facts
- Padma Vibhushan Recipients
- Dharmendra, VS Achuthanandan, K T Thomas, N Rajam, P. Narayanan
- Padma Bhushan Recipients
- Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Uday Kotak, Vellappally Natesan, Mammootty, V Natesan
- Padma Shri Recipients
- Harmanpreet Kaur, Rohit Sharma, Savita Punia, Prosenjit Chatterjee, A E Muthunayagam
- Notable Posthumous Awards
- VS Achuthanandan, Satish Shah, Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand
- States with Most Awards
- Maharashtra (15), Tamil Nadu (13), West Bengal (11), Kerala (8), Assam (5)
- Political Implications
- Awards given to figures from states with upcoming elections
- Ashok Chakra Recipient
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
- Kirti Chakra Recipients
- Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba
Timeline
VS Achuthanandan dies, sparking posthumous recognition.
Tributes pour in for his political legacy and rights advocacy.
Kerala remembers his fight for people's rights.
Padma Vibhushan awarded posthumously to the former CM.
Highest civilian honor for Achuthanandan's service.
Quotes
Education Minister Nara Lokesh
Education Minister of Andhra Pradesh
“Murali Mohan’s decades-long contribution to Indian cinema and public life is exceptional, while Kutumba Sastry’s unparalleled mastery of Kuchipudi has taken classical arts to global stages.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Rajendra Prasad’s lifelong dedication and his contribution to Telugu cinema has been exceptional. The legendary Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, through his timeless devotion to Annamacharya kirtanas and classical music, elevated Andhra Pradesh’s spiritual and musical legacy to the national stage.”
deccanchronicle.com
R Madhavan
Indian actor and recipient of the Padma Shri award
“This recognition is possible only because of the blessings of my mentors, the goodwill of my well-wishers, the love and encouragement of the public, and above all, the grace of the Almighty. Each of them has played an invaluable role in shaping my journey and guiding me toward this moment. I consider this not just an award, but a responsibility. I promise to carry this honor with dignity, sincerity, and a deep sense of commitment to the values it represents. My heart is filled with gratitude for this extraordinary endorsement and validation, and I hope to continue serving with integrity, humility, and dedication in the years to come.”
timesnownews.com
NDTV
“I accept the Padma Shri with profound gratitude and humility. This honor, bestowed upon me, is beyond my wildest dreams, and I receive it on behalf of my entire family, whose constant support and faith have been my greatest strength.”
NDTV
Yogi Adityanath
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
“Heartiest congratulations to all the Padma Awardees whose distinguished service has strengthened India’s intellectual, cultural and social foundations.”
theprint.in
“Uttar Pradesh is especially proud of Padma Vibhushan awardee N. Rajam Ji (Art) and Padma Shri awardees – Anil Kumar Rastogi (Art), Ashok Kumar Singh (Science & Engineering), Buddha Rashmi Mani (Archaeology), Chiranji Lal Yadav (Art), Kewal Krishan Thakral (Medicine), Mangala Kapoor (Literature & Education), Praveen Kumar (Sports), Raghupat Singh (Posthumous) (Agriculture), Rajendra Prasad and Shyam Sundar (Medicine).”
theprint.in
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
“Through their dedication and excellence in their respective fields, each of the Padma Awardees have served the nation and made outstanding contributions to its progress. Their journeys stand as a source of inspiration for the entire nation.”
deccanchronicle.com
Mangala Kapoor
Padma Shri awardee for Literature & Education
“The award means a lot to me, as it is one of the most prestigious awards of the country. At this point of time, I cannot simply express my feelings in words.”
theprint.in
Anil Rastogi
Padma Shri awardee for Art
“The first reaction on being named for the awards was definitely that of happiness. Though, I am a scientist (from a career point of view). I got recognition as an amateur artist, and this is a proud moment for me. For this, I would give my thanks to all my co-actors, directors, and most to the CDRI (Central Drug Research Institute), who allowed me to groom this passion for theatre.”
theprint.in
K Vijay Kumar
Retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and recipient of the Padma Shri
“This is a tribute to all my teams with whom I have worked.”
NDTV
Sources
Padma Awards Highlight Political Undercurrents Ahead Of Elections In Kerala, Other States
Dharmendra, Achuthanandan, Shibu Soren among Padma awardees
Family of late Achuthanandan welcomes Padma Vibhushan honour
Five Andhra Stalwarts Shine in the Limelight With Padma Honours
Republic Day: Gallantry Awards To Be Conferred On 70 Armed Forces Personnel, Including 6 Posthumous
Shubhanshu Shukla Gets Ashok Chakra
R Madhavan On Padma Shri Honour: "This Is Beyond My Wildest Dreams"
Padma Awards 2026: Unsung heroes share spotlight with film stars, industrialists
Veteran Cop Vijay Kumar Who Led Veerappan Task Force Awarded Padma Shri
Padma Awards Explained: Padma Vibhushan vs Padma Bhushan vs Padma Shri
R Madhavan On Padma Shri 2026: Not Just An Award, But Responsibility - Exclusive


