Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards for the year 2026, honouring distinguished personalities from diverse fields including sports, arts, cinema, medicine, literature, public affairs and science.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, other Union Ministers and senior dignitaries.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Attended the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the Padma Awards were presented. They celebrate exceptional service and dedication across diverse fields. Each awardee represents the best of our commitment to society. Their life journeys inspire countless citizens and remind everyone of the power of hard work and service.”
Among the highest civilian honours presented on Tuesday were the Padma Vibhushan awards conferred on P. Narayanan for Literature and Education and Justice K. T. Thomas for Public Affairs.
The Padma Bhushan awardees included tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, veteran actor Mammootty, celebrated singer Alka Yagnik, noted physician Dattatreyudu Nori, along with S.K.M. Maeilanandhan and Vellappally Natesan.
The Padma Awards, one of India’s highest civilian honours, are conferred annually in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards recognise exceptional and distinguished service across disciplines such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports and civil service.
Announced every year on the eve of Republic Day, the awards continue to celebrate individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact on society and inspired future generations.
(With agency inputs)
