Padma Awards 2026 – Latest Current Affairs

1. Alka Yagnik – Art

• Alka Yagnik is one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, renowned for her melodious voice and remarkable contribution to Hindi cinema. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she has sung thousands of songs and won numerous honours, including two National Film Awards and a record seven Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer.
• She was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Art category for her exceptional contribution to Indian playback singing and music. Her iconic songs have left a lasting impact on Indian cinema, making her one of the most influential voices in the country’s musical history.

2. Bhagat Singh Koshyari – Public Affairs

• Bhagat Singh Koshyari is a veteran politician, educationist, and social worker from Uttarakhand. He served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand (2001–2002), a Member of Parliament, and later as the Governor of Maharashtra (2019–2023), dedicating decades to public service and nation-building.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Public Affairs category for his distinguished contribution to public administration, education, social welfare, and his long-standing service in Indian public life.

3. Dr. Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy – Medicine

• Dr. Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy is a renowned gastroenterologist, medical academic, and senior consultant at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. With over four decades of experience, he has made significant contributions to the diagnosis, treatment, and research of digestive and liver diseases, while also mentoring generations of medical professionals.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Medicine category for his exceptional contribution to gastroenterology, medical education, and patient care. His pioneering work in digestive healthcare and his lifelong dedication to advancing medical science have earned him national recognition.

4. Mammootty – Art

• Mammootty is one of India’s most acclaimed actors, predominantly known for his outstanding work in Malayalam cinema. With a career spanning over five decades and more than 400 films, he has earned widespread recognition for his versatile performances and has received three National Film Awards for Best Actor, along with numerous state and film awards.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Art category for his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema. His remarkable acting career, dedication to meaningful cinema, and lasting influence on the Indian film industry have made him one of the country’s most respected artists.

5. Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu – Medicine

• Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu is a world-renowned Indian-American radiation oncologist and a pioneer in brachytherapy, an advanced form of radiation treatment for cancer. He has led groundbreaking research in cancer care, served at leading medical institutions in the United States, and made significant contributions to improving cancer treatment worldwide. He was previously honoured with the Padma Shri in 2015 for his contributions to medicine.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Medicine category for his exceptional contribution to radiation oncology, pioneering innovations in cancer treatment, and his lifelong dedication to improving patient care through advanced medical research and clinical practice.

6. Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) – Art

• Piyush Pandey was one of India’s most influential advertising professionals and creative visionaries. As the longtime creative leader at Ogilvy India, he transformed Indian advertising through memorable campaigns such as Fevicol, Cadbury, Asian Paints, Pulse Polio (“Do Boond Zindagi Ki”), and Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, blending creativity with Indian culture and storytelling.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 (Posthumous) in the Art category for his exceptional contribution to Indian advertising, creative communication, and storytelling. His innovative work reshaped the advertising industry and inspired generations of creative professionals.

7. S. K. M. Maeilanandhan – Social Work

• Dr. S. K. M. Maeilanandhan is a renowned entrepreneur, social activist, and founder of the SKM Group from Tamil Nadu. Beyond building one of India’s leading poultry enterprises, he has dedicated decades to social service through initiatives in rural development, public health, education, consumer awareness, yoga, women’s empowerment, and village welfare, benefiting thousands of people.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Social Work category for his exceptional contribution to community development and social welfare. His lifelong efforts to improve rural livelihoods, healthcare, education, and public welfare have earned him national recognition.

8. Shatavadhani R. Ganesh – Art

• Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh is a renowned scholar, poet, polyglot, and master of the ancient Indian art of Avadhana, a unique literary and intellectual performance that combines extraordinary memory, concentration, and spontaneous poetry. He has authored numerous books in Kannada, Sanskrit, and English and has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting India’s classical literary and cultural traditions.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Art category for his exceptional contribution to Indian literature, Sanskrit scholarship, and the revival of the ancient art of Avadhana. His lifelong efforts have played a significant role in preserving India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage.

9. Shibu Soren (Posthumous) – Public Affairs

• Shibu Soren, popularly known as “Dishom Guru,” was a veteran tribal leader and co-founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). He served as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times and devoted his life to protecting tribal rights, empowering marginalized communities, and playing a pivotal role in the movement for the creation of the state of Jharkhand.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 (Posthumous) in the Public Affairs category for his lifelong contribution to public service, tribal welfare, social justice, and his leadership in the Jharkhand statehood movement. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations across India.

10. Uday Kotak – Trade & Industry

• Uday Kotak is one of India’s leading bankers and business leaders. He is the founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, which grew from a small finance company into one of India’s largest private sector banks. Through his visionary leadership, he has played a significant role in strengthening India’s banking, financial services, and capital markets.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Trade & Industry category for his exceptional contribution to India’s banking and financial sector. His leadership, innovation, and commitment to building a globally respected financial institution have significantly contributed to India’s economic growth and financial inclusion.

11. V. K. Malhotra (Posthumous) – Public Affairs

• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 (Posthumous) in the Public Affairs category for his lifelong contribution to public service, sports administration, and nation-building through decades of dedicated leadership.
• V. K. Malhotra was a veteran politician, sports administrator, and public leader who served in several important public positions over many decades. He was associated with Indian politics and also played a significant role in promoting sports administration, including serving as President of the Archery Association of India.

12. Vellappally Natesan – Public Affairs

• Vellappally Natesan is a prominent social leader from Kerala and the longtime General Secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam. He has worked extensively for the welfare, education, and socio-economic development of the Ezhava community through various educational and charitable initiatives.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Public Affairs category for his significant contribution to community development, social welfare, education, and public service.

13. Vijay Amritraj – Sports

• Vijay Amritraj is a former Indian tennis player, sports commentator, actor, and global sports ambassador. He represented India with distinction in international tennis for over two decades, won numerous ATP titles, and played a key role in India’s success in the Davis Cup. He has also been actively involved in humanitarian work through the Vijay Amritraj Foundation.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan 2026 in the Sports category for his exceptional contribution to Indian tennis, international sports, and humanitarian service. His achievements have inspired generations of Indian athletes and enhanced India’s reputation in world tennis.