Archive · 25 Jan 2026
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
- When
- Announced on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To recognize exceptional and distinguished service in various fields
- 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
Sources
Family of late Achuthanandan welcomes Padma Vibhushan honour
Padma Awards 2026: Unsung heroes share spotlight with film stars, industrialists
Republic Day: Gallantry Awards To Be Conferred On 70 Armed Forces Personnel, Including 6 Posthumous
Padma Awards Highlight Political Undercurrents Ahead Of Elections In Kerala, Other States
Shubhanshu Shukla Gets Ashok Chakra
Dharmendra, Achuthanandan, Shibu Soren among Padma awardees
R Madhavan On Padma Shri Honour: "This Is Beyond My Wildest Dreams"
Veteran Cop Vijay Kumar Who Led Veerappan Task Force Awarded Padma Shri
Five Andhra Stalwarts Shine in the Limelight With Padma Honours
R Madhavan On Padma Shri 2026: Not Just An Award, But Responsibility - Exclusive
Padma Awards Explained: Padma Vibhushan vs Padma Bhushan vs Padma Shri