"I even forgot to eat": Heartfelt reactions from Padma Shri 2026 awardees

Brij Lal Bhat, awarded for social work, dedicated his achievement to Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari. Speaking to ANI, he recalled years of effort to sustain and promote Sanatan Dharma in regions affected by terrorism.

"I dedicate this honour to the Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari... After the 1989-90 exodus, the situation was such that the entire Hindu community had left, and even the nationalist elements had gone. Our Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, has 850-900 branches. The concern was how to connect the displaced people to their roots, so that we could continue Sanatan Dharma activities there, and how to promote the qualities of Sanatan Dharma in Kashmir, where there was so much terrorism...," he said.

Additionally, social worker and chemistry professor Mahendra Nath Roy expressed his joy over the award and asserted that he motivates his students to be "great human beings."

"I am very happy to receive this prestigious award... I will dedicate myself more to investigating new works that will help society... I always encourage my students to be great human beings... As a professor, my main function is to motivate the new generation of students... People getting this award will be encouraged to help the country," he stated.

Meanwhile, Nilesh Mandlewala thanked the Government of India for the award and described the recognition as "a new lease on life."

"... Today, the Government of India has given us immense joy by bestowing this award and the appreciation that comes with it, because when someone whose organs are failing receives a new lease on life through our organ donation, the happiness that lights up their face and that of their family is the greatest reward...," he said, adding that "It brings immense joy when people get a new life from this, but today, for this award, I am deeply grateful to the Government of India, Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel..."

Furthermore, Algoja player Tagaram Bheel reflected on his 55 years of dedication to the craft and thanked the government for recognising his and his father's years of passion and hard work.

"I have been playing the Algoja for 55 years. My father used to play it, and I learned it by stealing it from him. I used to herd goats, and I learned to play while tending to them. I am grateful that the Indian government is giving me an award for my 55 years of dedication... So many people have been congratulating me since morning that while thanking them, I even forgot to eat today...," he said.

Additionally, Archaeologist Dr Narayan Vyas and his family members celebrated after the announcement of his being conferred with the Padma Shri 2026.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that the award will inspire more people, calling it "a moment of pride for the country" while expressing the overwhelming experience.

"... I am very happy to have received such a prestigious award... It's also a moment of pride for the country, as it will inspire people and make them more aware of their heritage and traditions...," he said.

On the eve of Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled the official list of Padma awardees for 2026. The prestigious civilian honours recognise individuals from diverse fields, including arts, literature, social service, medicine, education and public service, for their excellence, dedication and long-term contribution to society.

The Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of India, are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of higher order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of activity. (ANI)