45 'Unsung heroes' to get Padma Shri on Republic Day eve, check full list
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Just a day before the Republic Day celebrations, the central government has announced the 'Padma Awards 2026', one of the country's prestigious civilian honors. Maintaining its tradition, the Modi government has once again given preference to those 'unsung heroes' who have silently worked to change the face of society. According to sources, about 45 such people will be awarded the Padma Shri in the 'Unsung Heroes' category, who have so far remained far away from the limelight, but their work speaks for itself.
The name of these giants was stamped
According to an announcement issued by the Home Ministry, hidden talents from across the country have been discovered and honored. These include names like Anke Gowda, Armida Fernandes, Bhagwandas Raikar, and Bhiklya Ladkya Dhinda, who works for tribal welfare. Brij Lal Bhatt, Budhari Thathi, Charan Hembram, Chiranji Lal Yadav, and Dharamlal Chunnilal Pandya have also been awarded the Padma Shri for their outstanding contributions. All of them have served selflessly in their respective fields.
They dominated the field of medicine and science
Experts working at the grassroots level in the fields of health and science have also been recognized in this list. These include Dr. Kumarasamy Thangaraj, Dr. Padma Gurmeet from Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Punniyamoorthy Natesan from Tamil Nadu, and Dr. Shyam Sundar from Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, Ghaffaruddin Mewarti, Hailey War, Inderjit Singh Sidhu, K. Pazhanivel from Rajasthan, Kailash Chandra Pant from Madhya Pradesh, and Khem Raj Sundariyal from Haryana have also been announced recipients of the Padma Shri award.
Recognition of practitioners of art, environment and social service
The government has also honored individuals who have dedicated their lives to environmental protection, the arts, and social service. Names like Kollakkayil Devaki Amma, Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, Mohan Nagar, Naresh Chandra Dev Varma, and Nilesh Mandlewala are included in this list. Meanwhile, Nooruddin Ahmed, Othuvar Thiruthani, Pokila Lekhathepi, R. Krishnan, and R.S. Godbole will also receive the Padma Shri. Besides, Raghupat Singh, Raghuveer Khedkar, Rajasthanpati Kaliappa Gounder, Rama Reddy Mamidi, S.G. Susheelamma, Sangyusang S. Pongener, Shafi Shauq, Shrirang Devaba Lad, Simanchal Patro, and Suresh Hanagavadi KAR have also been honored.
Salute to the extraordinary work of ordinary Indians
This year's Padma Awards are entirely dedicated to ordinary Indians who have accomplished extraordinary feats. Despite personal struggles and hardships, these winners have made social service their life's mission. Many come from backward classes, Dalit communities, primitive tribes, and remote areas. This honor is for doctors who have addressed challenges like hemophilia or established India's first human milk bank. It is also for those who are strengthening national unity in border states, preserving endangered languages and traditional martial arts. All these winners symbolize an India that is quietly, without fanfare, engaged in nation-building.