The Padma Vibhushan is India’s second-highest civilian honour, instituted in 1954 to recognise exceptional and distinguished service across different fields like art, literature, science, public affairs, sports and more. This year President Murmu approved 131 Padma awards (5 Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan and 113 Shri) for Republic Day 2026. The five Padma Vibhushan awardees span cinema, law, music, journalism and politics. They are: Dharmendra Singh Deol (Maharashtra, Art, posthumous), Justice K. T. Thomas (Kerala, Public Affairs), Pandit N. Rajam (Uttar Pradesh, Art), P. Narayanan (Kerala, Literature & Education), and V. S. Achuthanandan (Kerala, Public Affairs, posthumous).
Bollywood legend, Dharmendra (1935–2025) is being honoured posthumously for a cinematic legacy that spanned over six decades. He appeared in more than 300 films, rising to fame in the 1960s–70s as the romantic hero and action star of his era. Iconic roles include Veeru in Sholay (1975) and titles like Phool Aur Patthar (1966) and Satyakam (1969). His powerful screen presence earned nicknames such as “He-Man of Bollywood” and “Action King”. Dharmendra also produced films and even served briefly as a Member of Parliament. He had previously received the Padma Bhushan in 2012, but for many fans this Vibhushan is an overdue salute to the star.
A former Supreme Court judge, K. T. Thomas (b.1937) is recognised for decades of legal service in public affairs. Born in Kerala, he rose from district judge (1977) to Kerala High Court judge (1985) and was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1996. Justice Thomas presided over prominent cases most significantly heading the bench that upheld the death sentences of the convicted assassins of Rajiv Gandhi. His selection as a Padma Vibhushan honouree signifies his contribution to India’s judiciary and policy.
Dr. N. Rajam (b.1938) is a doyenne of Hindustani classical music and one of India’s most celebrated violinists. A Carnatic prodigy turned Hindustani maestro, she pioneered the “gayaki ang” a vocal style of violin playing and taught at Banaras Hindu University for nearly 40 years. The Padma Vibhushan acknowledges her “legendary contribution to Hindustani classical music”. Rajam guided generations of musicians including her own daughters and brought the violin to new heights in North Indian music. She had already been honoured with the Padma Shri (1984) and Padma Bhushan (2004) for her innovative artistry.
P. Narayanan is a veteran journalist, writer and RSS ideologue now honoured in Literature & Education. A founder and long-time editor of the Malayalam daily Janmabhumi, he has been a prolific author penning about 10 books and translating many. Narayanan also served on the national executive of the old Bharatiya Jana Sangh and wrote extensively for its publications. His Padma Vibhushan citation recognizes his decades of work in promoting literature, education and cultural thought.
V. S. Achuthanandan (1923–2025) was a communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister. A staunch Marxist from a modest upbringing, he was known for his sharp rhetoric, clean image and relentless focus on social justice. For over eight decades he advocated the causes of workers, farmers and the poor, fighting corruption and cronyism even within his own party. Achuthanandan became Kerala’s first-ever working-class Chief Minister (serving 2006–2011), a career that began in trade union struggles and went through significant leadership roles in the CPI(M). He passed away in July 2025, making this Padma Vibhushan a posthumous honor for a man whose life symbolized grassroots advocacy and integrity.
Each of these five honourees has dedicated a lifetime to their field. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Their journeys remind us of the impact one leaves on society and the values one upholds.