India’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced on January 25, 2026, that three Indian Americans are among the 131 recipients of the Padma Awards for 2026, one of India’s highest civilian honors.

The Indian American honorees include Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu in the field of Medicine (Padma Bhushan); Tennis star Vijay Amritraj in the field of Sports (Padma Bhushan); and Dr. Prateek Sharma also in the field of Medicine (Padma Shri).

According to an official statement, the Padma Awards are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; the Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order; and the Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.

“The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc,” the statement said, noting that the awards are announced annually on the occasion of Republic Day.

The Padma Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, usually during March or April each year.

For 2026, the President has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including two duo cases, with each duo counted as one award. The list comprises five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. Among the awardees, 19 are women. The list also includes six recipients from the categories of Foreigners, Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin, or Overseas Citizens of India, as well as 16 posthumous awardees. 

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