Mammootty and Vijay Amritraj Honored with Padma Bhushan Awards by President
President Droupadi Murmu honored 65 eminent personalities with Padma Awards during a civil investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Notable recipients of the Padma Bhushan included actor Mammootty and tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, recognized for their distinguished contributions to their respective fields.
Highlights
- •President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Bhushan to actor Mammootty and tennis icon Vijay Amritraj.
- •The awards ceremony took place at the Gantantra Mandap of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- •The Padma Vibhushan was awarded to former Supreme Court judge KT Thomas and journalist P Narayanan.
- •A total of 131 Padma Awards were announced for 2026, honoring service in arts, public affairs, and education.
In a formal ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the prestigious Padma Awards upon several prominent figures. These civilian honors serve to recognize exceptional service across various fields of national importance, ranging from public affairs and arts to education and sports. Among the notable recipients of the Padma Bhushan were iconic Indian actor Mammootty and legendary tennis star Vijay Amritraj, marking a significant moment in the national honors calendar for 2026.
Recognizing Excellence Across Diverse Fields
The investiture ceremony took place at the Gantantra Mandap, serving as the second such event this year. Alongside Mammootty and Vijay Amritraj, the Padma Bhushan was also awarded to playback singer Alka Yagnik, American oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori, industrialist SKM Maeilanandhan, and dedicated social worker and educationist Vellappally Natesan. Furthermore, the award was posthumously bestowed upon the late Shibu Soren, founder of the JMM, with his wife Rupi Soren accepting the honor on his behalf.
The President also presented the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor, to former Supreme Court judge KT Thomas for his contributions to public affairs. Additionally, eminent Malayalam journalist P Narayanan received the same honor, recognizing his lifelong work in the domains of literature and education. These Padma Awards, which represent some of the highest civilian recognition in the country, are categorized into the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri based on the level of service provided to the nation.
Understanding the Impact of the Padma Awards
The government had officially announced a total of 131 recipients for the Padma Awards for 2026, including five individuals selected for the Padma Vibhushan. The recent ceremony follows an initial investiture held on May 25, during which 65 recipients were honored across the three award categories. By recognizing individuals who have demonstrated distinguished service in disciplines such as science, engineering, trade, medicine, and the arts, the state reinforces the values of public excellence and national contribution. The Padma Awards remain a cornerstone of national celebration, highlighting the diverse talents that shape the cultural and social fabric of modern India.
