India, May 25 -- President Droupadi Murmu on Monday presented Padma awards to 66 recipients at the first civil investiture ceremony for 2026. The ceremony was held in the Ganatantra Mandap of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Some of the top awardees included late legendary actor Dharmendra, advertising legend late Piyush Pandey, women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

A teary eyed Hema Malini, MP and wife of late actor Dharmendra received the award on his behalf.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vice president CP Radhakrishnan and Union home minister Amit Shah were among the top attendees at the ceremony.

For the year 2026, the President approved conferment of 131 Padma awards including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma ...