Kerala emerged prominently in the Padma Awards 2026, with three of the five Padma Vibhushan recipients hailing from the state, as the honours were announced on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day. The Bharat Ratna was not conferred on any individual this year.
Former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, alongside actor Dharmendra, journalist P Narayanan, and former Supreme Court judge Justice K T Thomas, all recognised for their distinguished contributions to public life, arts, and public service.
Across categories, Kerala received eight Padma awards, including two Padma Bhushan honours for actor Mammootty and social activist V Natesan, and five Padma Shri awards in areas ranging from science and medicine to arts and social work.
Other states heading into elections also saw significant representation. Tamil Nadu received 13 awards, West Bengal 11, Assam five, while Maharashtra topped the list with 15 recipients. Observers have noted that the Padma Awards this year reflect a wide geographical and professional spread.
In Kerala, the awards come amid a competitive political environment, with the ruling Left Front, Congress-led UDF, and BJP all positioning themselves ahead of the Assembly polls. Analysts point out that successive governments have continued the tradition of recognising excellence across ideological and political lines.
The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, honour exceptional service in fields such as art, public affairs, science, medicine, social work, and education, and remain among India’s most prestigious civilian honours.
