77th Republic Day Celebrations and Padma Awards 2026

As India commemorates its 77th Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has revealed the Padma Awards 2026, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian honors. These awards celebrate exceptional contributions in various fields, including medicine. The official list, sanctioned by the President of India, highlights two notable medical professionals who have received the Padma Bhushan, along with 13 doctors and healthcare contributors awarded the Padma Shri for their remarkable efforts in healthcare delivery, medical research, community medicine, and patient welfare. The announcement was made on January 25, 2026, just before Republic Day.

Padma Bhushan Awards

This year, two distinguished Indian clinicians have been honored with the Padma Bhushan:

  1. Shri Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy (Tamil Nadu) – A seasoned gastroenterologist, educator, and clinician-teacher, Shri Palaniswamy has dedicated over 40 years to medicine. After earning his MBBS from JJM Medical College in 1972, he completed his MD in General Medicine in 1977 and DM in Gastroenterology in 1981 while simultaneously teaching. Renowned for his educational contributions, he has mentored numerous postgraduate and super-specialty students nationwide. He significantly advanced the Department of Gastroenterology at Stanley Medical College, Chennai, and is currently a senior consultant at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. Previously, he received the Padma Shri in 2007.
  2. Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu (United States) – An Indian-American radiation oncologist, Dr. Dattatreyudu completed his medical studies at Kurnool Medical College and further training at Osmania Medical College. He is a globally recognized expert in brachytherapy and has pioneered advanced techniques that enhance cancer treatment precision while protecting healthy tissues. Acknowledged among America’s top doctors, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015 for his medical service.

Padma Shri Awards

Alongside the Padma Bhushan recipients, several healthcare professionals have been honored with the Padma Shri for their exceptional contributions in various medical fields:

  1. Dr. Armida Fernandez (Maharashtra) – A neonatologist of Goan origin, Dr. Fernandez established Asia’s first human milk bank in 1989, benefiting thousands of vulnerable newborns annually. Her advocacy for maternal health and breastfeeding has significantly influenced neonatal care practices in India.
  2. Dr. Guduru Venkat Rao (Telangana) – A leading surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Rao has performed over 12,000 surgeries and introduced natural-orifice surgical techniques. His commitment to advanced GI surgical care has elevated treatment standards in the region.
  3. Shri H. V. Hande (Tamil Nadu) – A veteran physician and public health reformer, Shri Hande has made substantial contributions to primary healthcare and health governance in Tamil Nadu. He was instrumental in addressing health issues during his tenure as the state’s Health Minister.
  4. Dr. Padma Gurmet (Ladakh) – Honored for her work in Sowa-Rigpa, Dr. Gurmet has been pivotal in promoting this traditional Himalayan medicine system, founding the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa in Leh.
  5. Dr. Punniamurthy Natesan (Tamil Nadu) – Recognized for his innovative work in ethno-veterinary medicine, Dr. Natesan has developed herbal protocols that enhance animal health and support rural livelihoods.
  6. Dr. Suresh Hanagavadi (Karnataka) – A leading advocate for haemophilia care, Dr. Hanagavadi established the Karnataka Haemophilia Society and played a vital role in national advocacy for patients with hemophilia.
  7. Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy (Telangana) – An influential figure in oncology, Dr. Reddy has contributed significantly to cancer care and founded the CURE Foundation, promoting access to treatment for underprivileged patients.
  8. Dr. Saroj Mandal (West Bengal) – An interventional cardiologist, Dr. Mandal has made notable contributions to cardiology and is focused on expanding access to cardiac care in underserved populations.
  9. Dr. Shyam Sundar Agrawal (Uttar Pradesh) – Renowned for his work in kala-azar treatment, Dr. Agrawal has developed therapies recognized by the WHO, transforming management practices in endemic regions.
  10. Shri Kewal Krishan Thakral (Uttar Pradesh) – An esteemed Ayurvedic surgeon, Shri Thakral’s six-decade contribution to Ayurvedic surgical practices has been widely recognized.
  11. Prof. Rajendra Prasad (Uttar Pradesh) – A senior specialist in respiratory medicine, Prof. Prasad has significantly advanced pulmonary care and medical education, especially in tuberculosis treatment.
  12. Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole (Chhattisgarh) – This couple has dedicated over 37 years to providing grassroots healthcare in remote tribal regions, addressing malnutrition and enhancing health awareness.
  13. Dr. Prateek Sharma (United States) – An academic and gastroenterologist, Dr. Sharma has made significant strides in gastroenterology and is recognized for integrating artificial intelligence in diagnostics and cancer detection.