President Murmu Confers Padma Awards: Harmanpreet Kaur and Uday Kotak Honored

In a grand ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Padma Awards to several distinguished personalities for their exceptional service to the nation. The atmosphere was one of immense pride as 66 awardees were honored for their contributions across various fields, including sports, art, and business.

Among the prominent recipients, Indian women's cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur and veteran banker Uday Kotak were recognized for their stellar achievements in their respective domains. The ceremony also saw high honors for the arts, with legendary violinist N Rajam receiving the Padma Vibhushan. In a poignant moment, the late cinema icon Dharmendra was honored posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan, marking a significant tribute to his decades-long career in the Indian film industry.

Regional cinema was also celebrated, as popular actor Prosenjit Chatterjee was conferred with the Padma Shri. The awards ceremony is part of a larger cohort approved for the year 2026, which includes a total of 131 Padma awards. This list comprises five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, highlighting the diverse range of talent being recognized across India.

The Padma Awards, which are traditionally announced on the eve of Republic Day every year, remain one of the highest civilian honors in the country. This year's ceremony underscored the government's commitment to honoring individuals who have demonstrated excellence and tireless dedication in fields ranging from public affairs to social work and the arts. Following the presentation, the awardees expressed their gratitude, further inspiring the next generation of Indian achievers.

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