Awardees Celebrate as Padma Shri 2026 Honors Outstanding Contributions

On the eve of Republic Day, a total of 131 individuals received the prestigious Padma Shri award, one of India’s highest civilian honors, celebrating their significant contributions across various fields. Among the awardees, notable figures from science, literature, and social work expressed their elation and gratitude for the recognition, marking a moment of pride for their respective communities.

Celebrated Contributions in Science and Literature

Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, an acclaimed scientist and aerospace engineer, expressed immense joy upon receiving the award for his leadership in the Akash missile system during Operation Sindoor. He dedicated the honor to his team, emphasizing their collective effort: “I am excited to hear this news. The Government of India has recognised my team, Akash’s services,” he stated. Gaddamanugu’s family also shared in the celebration, with his wife, Seetha, highlighting the significance of this accolade as recognition of their relentless dedication. “His hard work has paid off,” she remarked.

Another distinguished recipient, Dr. Kumaraswamy Thangaraj, a specialist in Cellular and Microbiology, expressed a hope that the award would inspire future generations to engage with the sciences. “I thank the Government for recognising my work… This will stimulate the younger generation to pursue science, particularly in genetics,” he noted. The award not only serves as a personal achievement but also as a motivational tool for aspiring scientists.

In the realm of literature, Kashmiri poet Professor Shafi Shauq shared his joy at receiving the Padma Shri, which he described as a unique honor among his many accolades. “I’m very happy that my name has been included among those who have truly accomplished something remarkable… The Padma Shri is something very few people receive,” he stated, reflecting on the significance of the award.

Honoring Unsung Heroes in Social Work

Among the awardees, social worker Budri Thati from Chhattisgarh stood out for her dedicated efforts in empowering tribal women. Recognized in the unsung heroes category, she expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment of her work since 1984. “Receiving such a big award is no small feat,” she remarked, reflecting on her long journey in social service that began at the age of 15.

Another recipient, Mohan Nagar, also acknowledged the importance of the award, highlighting the role of the Central Government in recognizing grassroots contributions. “I thank the Central government for this honour. I got this good news on the auspicious occasion of Narmada Jayanti,” he said.

The Padma Shri awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also shine a light on pressing social issues. Mahendra Kumar Mishra, another recipient from Chhattisgarh, spoke about the challenges facing tribal education. “There are 12% tribals in our country… How can the students learn properly if they don’t learn in an unfamiliar language?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive education system.

Former Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, viewed the award as a recognition of a collective effort to evolve India’s education system. He expressed gratitude toward his family, mentors, and students, asserting the importance of continuing to support educational initiatives. “Young people are India’s assets… We should continue to strengthen our universities,” he said, highlighting the overarching goal of advancing education for all.

The Padma Shri awards serve as a powerful reminder of the remarkable contributions made by individuals across various sectors in India. As these honorees celebrate their achievements, their stories inspire others to pursue excellence and create a positive impact in their communities.