Republic Day 2026: 45 ‘Unsung Heroes’ Conferred Padma Shri For Extraordinary Grassroots Contributions

New Delhi, January 25, 2026 : In a tribute to India’s quiet change-makers, 45 individuals from across the country have been selected for the Padma Shri Award 2026 in the ‘Unsung Heroes’ category on the occasion of Republic Day, sources said on Sunday.

The awardees include a former bus conductor who built the world’s largest free-access library, a paediatrician who established Asia’s first human milk bank, a 90-year-old tribal musician preserving rare folk traditions, and several social workers, artists and community leaders whose lifelong service has transformed lives at the grassroots level.

Among the prominent names is Anke Gowda from Karnataka, a former bus conductor who founded Pustak Mane, the world’s largest free-access library, housing over two million books in 20 languages, along with rare manuscripts. The 75-year-old bibliophile from Haralahalli village near Mysuru has been honoured for empowering learners and promoting knowledge accessibility across India.

Also selected is Dr Armida Fernandes, a Mumbai-based paediatrician who set up Asia’s first human milk bank, significantly improving survival rates of premature and critically ill infants. Her pioneering work has been widely acknowledged for advancing neonatal healthcare in the country.

Other notable awardees include Bhagwandas Raikwar, a Bundeli war art trainer from Madhya Pradesh; Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda, a 90-year-old tribal Tarpa player from Maharashtra who has preserved a rare musical tradition; and Brij Lal Bhat, a distinguished social worker from Jammu and Kashmir, recognised for his contribution to social welfare.

According to sources quoted by The Times of India, the Padma Shri 2026 ‘Unsung Heroes’ list reflects India’s cultural diversity and honours individuals whose dedication, innovation and service have quietly strengthened society.

Padma Shri Awardees 2026 – Unsung Heroes (as per sources):

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 & 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