Padma Awards 2026: Education Leaders, Innovators, and Visionaries Honoured

The Padma Awards 2026 have recognised 131 remarkable individuals across India for their exceptional contributions to various fields, including education, literature, science, and public service. Among the awardees are prominent figures from the education sector, such as former University Grants Commission (UGC) chief Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar and IIT Madras director V. Kamakoti, whose work has significantly advanced higher education, research, and innovation across the country.

The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honours, given annually in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards, announced each year on Republic Day, celebrate extraordinary achievements and service across multiple domains. The award ceremony, traditionally held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, is conducted by the President of India, usually in March or April, to formally recognise the contributions of these distinguished individuals.

Understanding the Padma Awards

Each Padma Award signifies a distinct level of recognition for service and achievement:

• Padma Vibhushan: Conferred for exceptional and outstanding service to the nation, representing the second-highest civilian honour in India.
• Padma Bhushan: Recognises distinguished service of a high order, often awarded to individuals whose contributions have had a widespread impact in their respective fields.
• Padma Shri: Honours notable contributions in any field, highlighting individuals whose work has brought about meaningful change or advancement.

In 2026, five Padma Vibhushan awards have been granted, including to 90-year-old veteran journalist and writer Shri P. Narayanan from Idukki, Kerala. Recognised in the field of Literature and Education, Shri Narayanan’s enduring contributions exemplify the spirit of dedication and excellence that the Padma Awards celebrate.

Education Sector Takes Centre Stage

The 2026 Padma Awards list includes several distinguished leaders from the education sector. Their achievements span academic leadership, research innovation, and transformative contributions to higher education infrastructure in India. Among the most notable awardees are:

• Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (Delhi): Former UGC chief whose tenure strengthened regulatory frameworks, promoted research initiatives, and enhanced academic quality across universities in India.
• V. Kamakoti (IIT Madras): Director of IIT Madras, recognised for pioneering research in computing and electronics and for fostering innovation ecosystems that support students and faculty alike.
• Shashi Shekhar Vempati (Karnataka): A key figure in leveraging technology to enhance educational access and media-based learning initiatives.
• Dr. Prabhakar Basavprabhu Kore (Karnataka): Known for contributions to educational development and rural empowerment through academic programs.
• Mangala Kapoor (Uttar Pradesh): Advocated for women’s education and implemented policies that improved access to quality schooling.

These leaders exemplify how education in India is not just about academic instruction but also about innovation, inclusive access, and research excellence.

Padma Awards 2026: Literature and Education Honourees

This year’s Padma Awards also recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to literature and education across India. These awardees represent a diverse group of scholars, writers, and educators who have enriched the intellectual and cultural fabric of the nation. The recipients include:

• Shri P. Narayanan (Kerala) – Veteran journalist and writer.
• Asok Kumar Haldar (West Bengal) – Known for educational leadership and contributions to regional literature.
• Charan Hembram (Odisha) – Advocate of local language education and literature promotion.
• Gambir Singh Yonzone (West Bengal) – Researcher in cultural studies and education.
• Kailash Chandra Pant (Madhya Pradesh) – Contributor to educational administration and policy.
• Ms. Liudmila Viktorovna Khokhlova (Russia) – Recognised for cross-cultural educational initiatives in India.
• Mahendra Kumar Mishra (Odisha) – Educator and promoter of traditional knowledge systems.
• Mahendra Nath Roy (West Bengal) – Contributions in higher education and academic research.
• Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (Delhi) – Former UGC chief and higher education reformer.
• Mangala Kapoor (Uttar Pradesh) – Advocate for women’s and rural education.
• Naresh Chandra Dev Varma (Tripura) – Researcher and educational innovator.
• Dr. Prabhakar Basavprabhu Kore (Karnataka) – Educationalist with focus on rural development.
• Rabilal Tudu (West Bengal) – Promoter of regional language and literature.
• Ratilal Borisagar (Gujarat) – Recognised for literary excellence.
• Prof. Shafi Shauq (Jammu and Kashmir) – Academic and scholar in higher education.
• Shashi Shekhar Vempati (Karnataka) – Technological innovations in learning.
• Ms. Sivasankari (Tamil Nadu) – Writer and social educator.
• Vempaty Kutumba Sastry (Andhra Pradesh) – Advocate for cultural education and preservation.

These awardees illustrate the breadth of contribution to India’s educational landscape, from grassroots learning initiatives to pioneering research at premier institutes.

Notable Duo Awards

The 2026 Padma Awards feature two unique “duo cases,” where a single award has been jointly conferred on two individuals for their collaborative work:

• Ms. Gayatri Balasubramanian and Ms. Ranjani Balasubramanian (Tamil Nadu) – Joint recipients of the Padma Shri in Art, recognised for their contributions to traditional and contemporary artistic expression.
• Shri Ramchandra Godbole and Ms. Suneeta Godbole (Chhattisgarh) – Jointly honoured in Medicine, acknowledging their collaborative medical research and healthcare initiatives that have benefited communities across the state.

These duo awards highlight the importance of teamwork and collective effort in achieving excellence, demonstrating that significant contributions often result from shared vision and cooperation.

Significance of the 2026 Awards

The 2026 Padma Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also underline the evolving priorities in India’s education and research sectors. With leaders from both administrative and academic domains being recognised, the awards send a strong message about the value of leadership, innovation, and commitment to societal progress. Furthermore, acknowledging contributions from literature, arts, and medicine alongside education emphasizes a holistic appreciation for diverse fields shaping India’s future.

By highlighting the work of both seasoned veterans like Shri P. Narayanan and contemporary innovators like IIT Madras director V. Kamakoti, the Padma Awards inspire upcoming generations to pursue excellence, innovation, and service. These recognitions affirm that dedication to knowledge, learning, and societal development remains one of the highest callings in India.

Conclusion

The Padma Awards 2026 present a distinguished roster of individuals whose work has significantly influenced education, literature, art, and healthcare. From the visionary leadership of Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar and V. Kamakoti to the literary contributions of Shri P. Narayanan, these awardees reflect India’s diverse talent and relentless pursuit of excellence. By honouring such achievements, the awards not only celebrate past accomplishments but also set a benchmark for future innovators, educators, and thought leaders across the country.