On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the second round of Padma awards was held, the highest civilian awards of the country, in three categories—the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Shri. During the second set ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu felicitated the renowned personalities in different sectors, from Rohit Sharma to Alka Yagnik.
Former Supreme Court judge K.T Thomas, for public affairs, and eminent Malayalam journalist P. Narayanan, for contribution to literature and education, were honored with Padma Vibhushan from President Droupadi Murmu.
Singer Alka Yagnik, veteran star Mammootty, American oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori, Vijay Amritraj, social worker and educationist Vellapally Natesan, and industrialist S.K.M Maeilanandhan were felicitated with the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu.
In contrast, Rupi Soren, the wife of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha founder Shibu Soren, received the honor of the Padma Bhushan on behalf of her late husband.
Cricketer Rohit Sharma, popularly referred to as the hitman, was honored with Padma Shri for his contribution in cricket, leading India to victory in the last T-20 World Cup, and also to the Hockey player Savita Punia.
Also, the late actor Satish Shah, who is known for Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and cult movies like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, was conferred the Padma Shri posthumously. And his brother received the honor.
Actor R. Madhavan also received the Padma Shri for his outstanding and distinguished contributions to Indian cinema and the arts.
In the second round of Padma awards, President Droupadi Murmu presented 65 awards in different sectors, from arts, education, to social work, and more.
