The Padma Awards 2026 recognised a group of figures from public life, politics and the civil service, honouring careers spent in governance, administration and public institutions.
Recognised in the fields of public affairs and civil service, this group includes former office holders and long serving public figures, several of them honoured posthumously.
Public life is a regular presence on the Padma lists, reflecting the value placed on service to the state and its institutions.
The public life honourees
In the Padma Bhushan tier, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, a veteran public figure who has held high constitutional office, was recognised in public affairs.
