The President approved Padma Awards 2026 for 13 people from Tamil Nadu: two Padma Bhushan and 11 Padma Shri. Padma Bhushan goes to S.K.M. Maeilanandhan, executive chairman of the Erode-based SKM Group, for social work, and to K.R. Palaniswamy for medicine. Padma Shri recipients include former Health Minister H.V. Hande, Carnatic vocalist sisters Ranjani-Gayathri, veterinary professor Punniamurthy Natesan, sculptor Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar, IIT-Madras Director V. Kamakoti (science and engineering), K. Ramasamy (science and technology), Othuvaar Thiruthani Swaminathan and Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam (art), and writer Sivasankari (literature and education).