Padma Shri 2026 Celebrates 45 Unsung Heroes Across India
The Narendra Modi-led BJP government has announced the Padma Shri 2026 awards, honoring 45 citizens in the unsung heroes category on Republic Day. This prestigious list highlights individuals from diverse backgrounds who have made significant, yet often overlooked, contributions to society.
Remarkable Stories of Service and Dedication
Among the awardees is Anke Gowda, a 75-year-old former bus conductor from Haralahalli village near Mysuru, Karnataka. Gowda transformed his passion for books into Pustak Mane, the world's largest free-access library. This incredible institution houses over two million books in 20 languages, along with rare manuscripts, empowering learners nationwide.
Another notable honoree is Armida Fernandes, a Mumbai-based paediatrician who founded Asia's first human milk bank. Her pioneering work has significantly enhanced the survival chances of infants, addressing critical neonatal health challenges.
The list also includes Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda, a 90-year-old tribal musician from Maharashtra. Dhinda is celebrated for playing the Tarpa, a traditional instrument crafted from bottle gourd and bamboo, preserving India's rich cultural heritage.
Government Recognition of Diverse Contributions
In an official statement, the government emphasized that this year's awardees truly epitomise everyday Indians silently going about their everyday lives, in service of Bharat Mata. Their contributions span various fields:
- Healthcare innovations, such as addressing haemophilia and establishing milk banks
- Preservation of indigenous heritage, tribal languages, and martial arts
- Safeguarding ecological wealth and promoting cleanliness initiatives
- Fostering national integration, particularly in border states
Complete List of Padma Shri 2026 Unsung Heroes
The 45 awardees represent a cross-section of Indian society, each with a unique story of service. Here is the full list of honorees:
- Anke Gowda
- Armida Fernandez
- Bhagwandas Raikwar
- Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda
- Brij Lal Bhat
- Budhri Tati
- Charan Hembram
- Chiranji Lal Yadav
- Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya
- Gafruddin Mewati Jogi
- Hally War
- Inderjit Singh Sidhu
- K Pajanivel
- Kailash Chandra Pant
- Khem Raj Sundriyal
- Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G
- Kumarasamy Thangaraj
- Mahendra Kumar Mishra
- Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai
- Mohan Nagar
- Naresh Chandra Dev Varma
- Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala
- Nuruddin Ahmed
- Othuvar Thiruthani Swaminathan
- Padma Gurmet
- Pokhila Lekthepi
- Punniamurthy Natesan
- R Krishnan
- Raghupat Singh
- Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar
- Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar
- Rama Reddy Mamidi
- Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole
- S G Susheelamma
- Sangyusang S Pongener
- Shafi Shauq
- Shrirang Devaba Lad
- Shyam Sundar
- Simanchal Patro
- Suresh Hanagavadi
- Taga Ram Bheel
- Techi Gubin
These individuals, from Bhagwandas Raikwar, a Bundeli war art trainer from Madhya Pradesh, to Brij Lal Bhat, a noted social worker from Jammu and Kashmir, showcase the breadth of grassroots impact recognized by the Padma Shri awards.
The Padma Shri 2026 list underscores the government's commitment to honoring those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, enriching India's social, cultural, and healthcare landscapes through their unwavering dedication.
