Nation Celebrates Padma Awardees 2026; Leaders Congratulate Honorees

• India celebrates the Padma Awards 2026 recipients, the nation's highest civilian honors, announced on Republic Day eve.
• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor highlighted the significant number of Malayali awardees, including three Padma Vibhushan recipients from Kerala: V.S. Achuthanandan (Posthumous), Justice K.T. Thomas, and P. Narayanan.
• Tharoor also recognized Padma Bhushan recipients Mammootty and Vellappally Natesan, and Padma Shri awardees A.E. Muthunayagam, I.M. Vijayan, Kalamandalam Vimala Menon, and Kollakkal Devaki Amma from Kerala.
• Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha congratulated Padma Shri awardee Naresh Chandra Dev Varma for his contributions to Kokborok literature and education, noting his prior Tripura Bhushan Award.
• Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma extended wishes to all Padma Award winners, specifically mentioning Gafuruddin Mewati Jogi, Swami Brahmadev Ji Maharaj, and Taga Ram Bhil from Rajasthan for their Padma Shri honors.

Why It Matters: India honors its top civilian awardees for 2026, with leaders nationwide extending congratulations.