Prez Murmu to Honour Shibu Soren, Alka Yagnik with Padma Awards

NEW DELHI — President Droupadi Murmu will officially present the prestigious civilian honors to veteran political leader Shibu Soren, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, acclaimed playback singer Alka Yagnik, and 62 other distinguished individuals during a formal ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

The announcement, verified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, outlines the final phase of this year’s national recognitions. The ceremony highlights outstanding achievements across diverse sectors, including social work, public administration, sports, arts, and science, recognizing individuals whose lifelong dedication has fundamentally shaped the country’s cultural and socio-economic progress.

National Recognition for Leaders in Public Affairs and Arts

The distribution of the Padma Awards: Prez Murmu to honour Shibu Soren, Vijay Amritraj, Alka Yagnik, 62 others on June 23 confirms the completion of the annual investiture cycle. Among the prominent awardees listed for the upcoming session is Shibu Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a veteran tribal leader, who is being recognized for his decades of service in public affairs.

Joining him in the category of arts and entertainment is legendary Bollywood playback singer Alka Yagnik. Her prolific career spans over four decades, during which she recorded thousands of tracks that shaped the identity of Indian commercial music.

The sports segment highlights tennis icon turned commentator Vijay Amritraj, who became one of India’s earliest international sports ambassadors, paving the way for future generations of athletes on the global tour.

The remaining 62 recipients include grassroots social workers, innovative agriculturalists, traditional artisans, and specialized medical pioneers whose contributions, while sometimes quiet, have generated localized impacts throughout rural and urban regions alike.

Strict Institutional Protocol at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Ministry of Home Affairs manages the selection process through an independent committee, ensuring compliance with strict vetting protocols before submitting the final roster to the Prime Minister and the President for authorization. The upcoming function marks the second distinct investiture congregation held inside the Durbar Hall this year, a standard procedural division implemented to safely accommodate recipients alongside their families and state dignitaries.

Senior administrative officials confirmed that invitations have been formally dispatched to key political stakeholders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and various cabinet ministers, in accordance with established state protocol. Following the presentation by President Murmu, the Ministry will publish the updated comprehensive gazette notifications detailing the official citations for all 65 honorees.

Official Sources Section

The schedule, attendee list, and classification of honors have been structured according to official press releases issued by the President's Secretariat, notifications from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and public declarations by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India.

Quote Section

An administrative briefing from the event coordination desk provided context regarding the logistics and significance of the event.

"According to officials at Rashtrapati Bhavan, all necessary arrangements for the Civil Investiture Ceremony on June 23 have been finalized. The selection honors the diverse, foundational contributions of citizens who have driven progress from both community roots and international platforms."

Why It Matters

The formal presentation of these awards reinforces national institutional values by systematically celebrating merit, public welfare, and cultural preservation. For citizens and aspiring professionals, the recognition of figures like Shibu Soren, Vijay Amritraj, and Alka Yagnik serves as a reminder of the value of sustained professional dedication.

For community organizers and researchers, the inclusion of 62 localized changemakers brings critical institutional validation and visibility to regional issues, often leading to increased support and development resources for their respective fields.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event Date: The second Civil Investiture Ceremony is officially scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

• Presiding Authority: President Droupadi Murmu will personally present the medals and citations.

• Total Recipients: A total of 65 individuals, including Shibu Soren, Vijay Amritraj, and Alka Yagnik, will receive their awards.

• Venue: The historic Durbar Hall located inside Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

• Core Categorization: Recognitions span public affairs, classical and playback arts, international sports, and community-driven social work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the remaining Padma Awards be presented?

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the honors upon Shibu Soren, Vijay Amritraj, Alka Yagnik, and 62 others on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Where does the investiture ceremony take place?

The presentation ceremony takes place at the Durbar Hall within Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Who selects the individuals for the Padma Awards?

The recipients are recommended by the Padma Awards Committee, constituted annually by the Prime Minister, and the final list is approved by the President of India.

Source: Official Press Communiqués from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India; Notifications from the President's Secretariat; and Broadcast Archives of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).