NEW DELHI : On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, the Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026, recognising distinguished service across diverse fields. The list includes prominent figures from Kerala who have made significant contributions in public service, environmental conservation, arts and literature.
Kerala Winners Highlighted
- Kollakkayil Devaki Amma (Padma Shri) – A 92‑year‑old environmentalist from Alappuzha, Devaki Amma was selected for the Padma Shri 2026 for her decades‑long work in afforestation and environmental conservation. She transformed a barren five‑acre plot into a thriving man‑made forest known as Tapovanam, nurturing thousands of trees and plants and creating a rich ecosystem that supports local biodiversity.
- V. S. Achuthanandan (Padma Vibhushan, posthumous) – The former Chief Minister of Kerala was posthumously honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second‑highest civilian award, for his long and distinguished public service and contributions to political life.
- Justice K. T. Thomas (Padma Vibhushan) – The retired Supreme Court Justice was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his eminent services in the field of public affairs and law.
Other National Honourees
The full Padma Awards list for 2026 includes notable figures from across the country, honouring excellence and dedicated service in fields such as art, public service, literature, sports, and social work. Among them are veteran personalities and achievers from multiple states. Recipients include well‑known names like actor Dharmendra, cricketer Rohit Sharma, and banker Uday Kotak, reflecting wide national recognition.
The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of high order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service in any field). These honours are among India’s highest civilian awards, presented annually ahead of Republic Day.
Significance for Kerala
Kerala’s representation in the 2026 Padma Awards highlights achievements not only in mainstream domains like public affairs and judiciary but also in grassroots environmental conservation and community service. Devaki Amma’s recognition as an “unsung hero” underscores the importance of individual contributions to environmental sustainability.
The awards will be formally conferred by the President of India at an investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan later in the year.
The Republic Day 2026 Padma Awards list showcases Kerala’s diverse contributions to the nation — from veteran public figures to environmental stewards — reflecting both historical leadership and grassroots impact on national life.
