Beyond the marquee profile of IIT Madras director Veezhinathan Kamakoti, the Padma Shri 2026 list recognised a group of scientists and engineers whose work spans space technology, semiconductors, genetics, agriculture and engineering research.
Honoured in the field of science and engineering, these are figures whose contributions tend to sit out of public view but underpin much of the country's technological capability.
For a readership that follows India's deeptech ambitions, this category is among the most relevant on the list.
The science and engineering honourees
A E Muthunayagam of Kerala, a senior figure associated with India's space and propulsion research, was among those recognised.
