The Government of India has announced the Padma Awards 2026 on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. This year, the list of 45 achievers places a profound emphasis on “Unsung Heroes”—individuals who have worked silently at the grassroots level to bring about transformative social change.
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1. Key Categories & Notable Awardees
The 2026 list celebrates extraordinary service across medicine, literature, and social reform.
Healthcare & Science
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Armida Fernandes (Maharashtra): A pediatrician who pioneered Asia’s first human milk bank, significantly improving neonatal survival rates.
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Kumarasamy Thangaraj (Telangana): A renowned geneticist whose research traced human migration from Africa to India.
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Dr. Shyam Sundar (Uttar Pradesh): Recognized for his extensive contributions to medicine and public health.
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Literature & Education
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Anke Gowda (Karnataka): Known as the “Bookman of Mandya,” this former bus conductor established Pustak Mane, a free-access library with over 2 million books.
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Charan Hembram (West Bengal): A Santhali author and composer dedicated to preserving tribal linguistics.
Art & Social Work
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Bhikhlya Ladkia Dhinda (Maharashtra): A 90-year-old tribal musician and master of the Tarpa, a rare traditional instrument.
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Budri Thati (Chhattisgarh): Recognized for her courageous efforts in setting up schools in Naxal-affected areas to ensure education for all.
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Brij Lal Bhatt (Jammu & Kashmir): Honored for his tireless social work in remote regions.
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2. Statistical Overview of the 45 Padma Shri “Unsung” Awardees
The distribution reflects India’s regional and cultural diversity:
| Region | Key Field | Awardee Count (Sample) |
| South India | Literature, Medicine, Music | Karnataka (3), Tamil Nadu (7) |
| North India | Social Work, Art, Education | J&K (2), UP (2), Haryana (1) |
| West India | Medicine, Folk Art, Sports | Maharashtra (4), Gujarat (2) |
| East & North East | Tribal Heritage, Education | Nagaland (2), Manipur (2), Odisha (2) |
3. Broad Highlights of 2026 Honors
While the “Unsung Heroes” list has 45 names, the wider Padma list reportedly includes:
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Cinema: Veteran actor Anant Nag and Tamil star Ajith Kumar (Padma Bhushan).
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Music: Renowned violinist L. Subramaniam and Grammy winner Ricky Kej.
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Public Affairs: Journalist A. Surya Prakash….
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