NEW DELHI (India): President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Awards for the year 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony – I held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.
Among the recipients were Taga Ram Bheel, Techi Gubin, R. Krishnan Kitna, Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Hally War and Gambhir Singh Yonzone.
Taga Ram Bheel
Taga Ram Bheel, who hails from Rajasthan, received the Padma Shri for reviving the Algoza, a tribal musical instrument. Taking the rich musical traditions of Rajasthan to the global stage, Bheel has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Bhili folk heritage. Performing in over 40 festivals across more than 16 countries, he has also helped revive traditional songs and instruments that were fading with time.
Techi Gubin
Techi Gubin, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, received the Padma Shri for his contribution to social work. Dedicated to preserving the indigenous faith and cultural heritage of the Nyishi community, Gubin has played a significant role in strengthening social awareness and community identity. A committed advocate of national integration, he also led people to over 90 border villages to hoist the Indian Tricolour, reflecting his deep spirit of service and patriotism.
R. Krishnan Kitna
R. Krishnan Kitna from Tamil Nadu received the Padma Shri posthumously for his contribution to art. Reviving the 3,000-year old Kurumba tribal art tradition through his remarkable paintings, Krishnan dedicated his life to preserving and promoting indigenous artistic heritage. Using natural pigments and introducing canvas as a base for the traditional art form, he created over a thousand paintings that brought wider recognition to Kurumba art.
Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra
Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra from Odisha received the Padma Shri for his contribution to literature and education. Preserving and promoting tribal literature through decades of research and writing, Dr. Mishra of Odisha has made a lasting contribution to indigenous knowledge traditions. With over 25 books and more than 100 research publications, he has helped safeguard tribal oral traditions and cultural heritage for future generations.
Hally War
Hally War from Meghalaya received the Padma Shri for his contribution to social work. Reviving the iconic Khasi living root bridges of Cherrapunji, War has worked tirelessly to preserve a unique tradition rooted in community knowledge and environmental harmony. By mentoring families in root bridge weaving and environmental protection, he helped strengthen local livelihoods, community bonds and sustainable tourism.
Prof. Gambhir Singh Yonzone
Prof. Gambhir Singh Yonzone from West Bengal received the Padma Shri for his contribution to literature and education. A noted educationist and social activist from the Darjeeling hills, Prof. Yonzone has made significant contribution to literature, education and environmental conservation. Founder of the Himalaya Science Association and author of seven books, he also contributed to the establishment of Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah were among those present.
Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel and get instant updates
