Srinagar: The Government of India on Sunday announced the Padma Awards for 2026, among the country’s highest civilian honours, on the occasion of Republic Day.
The awards are conferred in three categories, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, across disciplines such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, medicine, literature and education, and sports.
For 2026, the President of India has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including 113 Padma Shri honours.
Jammu and Kashmir features on the Padma Shri list with two eminent personalities receiving recognition in distinct fields. Brij Lal Bhat has been awarded the Padma Shri in the category of Social Work for his contributions at the grassroots level, and renowned scholar Prof. Shafi Shauq has been conferred the Padma Shri in the field of Literature and Education for his significant academic and literary work.
