Padma awards: From doctors to tribal artists, see full list of ‘unsung heroes’ honoured

45 individuals from across India have been chosen for the Padma Shri award in the ‘unsung heroes’ category.

Updated on: Jan 25, 2026, 17:55:33 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Padma awards are among the most prestigious honours awarded by the central government to citizens of India every year on Republic Day. This year too, many “unsung heroes” have been recognised in the list released by the authorities.

A former bus conductor who set up the world's largest free-access library, a paediatrician who formed Asia's first human milk bank, and a 90-year-old rare musical instrument player were among 45 individuals from across India chosen for the Padma Shri award in the ‘unsung heroes’ category.

"From doctors working in local health challenges like Haemophilia to a neonatologist who set up India’s first human milk-bank, from preserving India’s indigenous heritage and promoting national integration in border States to promoting tribal languages and indigenous martial arts … from preserving dying arts and weaves to safeguarding the nation’s ecological wealth and championing swachta - this set of awardees truly epitomises everyday Indians silently going about their everyday lives, in service of Bharat Mata," the government statement

The list also includes an 88-year-old ex-IPS officer from Chandigarh, known for cleaning the city's streets. Joining him will be Armida Fernandes, the Mumbai-based paediatrician who set up Asia's first human milk bank, improving the survival prospects of infants, Bundeli war art trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar from Madhya Pradesh, Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda, a 90-year-old tribal Tarpa player – a musical instrument made of bottle gourd and bamboo – from Maharashtra, and distinguished social worker from Jammu and Kashmir, Brij Lal Bhat, among others.

List of unsung heroes who win Padma awards this year:

1. Anke Gowda

2. Armida Fernandez

3. Bhagwandas Raikwar

4. Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda

5. Brij Lal Bhat

6. Budhri Tati

7. Charan Hembram

8. Chiranji Lal Yadav

9. Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya

10. Gafruddin Mewati Jogi

11. Hally War

12. Inderjit Singh Sidhu

13. K Pajanivel

14. Kailash Chandra Pant

15. Khem Raj Sundriyal

16. Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G

17. Kumarasamy Thangaraj

18. Mahendra Kumar Mishra

19. Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai

20. Mohan Nagar

21. Naresh Chandra Dev Varma

22. Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala

23. Nuruddin Ahmed

24. Othuvar Thiruthani Swaminathan

25. Padma Gurmet

26. Pokhila Lekthepi

27. Punniamurthy Natesan

28. R Krishnan

29. Raghupat Singh

30. Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar

31. Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar

32. Rama Reddy Mamidi

33. Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole

34. S G Susheelamma

35. Sangyusang S Pongener

36. Shafi Shauq

37. Shrirang Devaba Lad

38. Shyam Sundar

39. Simanchal Patro

40. Suresh Hanagavadi

41. Taga Ram Bheel

42. Techi Gubin

43. Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam

44. Vishwa Bandhu

45. Yumnam Jatra Singh

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.