Every Padma Award tells a story. Some are stories of sporting excellence. Others are built on decades of service, sacrifice, discipline, and quiet commitment to society. In 2026, four distinguished personalities connected to Punjab and Chandigarh brought those stories to the national stage when they were honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
Their journeys could hardly be more different. One leads the Indian women’s cricket team. Another spent decades shaping generations of hockey players. One devoted his life to spiritual and social service. The fourth, even at 88, continues to sweep public spaces every morning to encourage civic responsibility.
Together, they represent the values that have long been associated with Punjab: perseverance, service, leadership, and community welfare.
Padma Awards (2026). Recognising Service Across India
Every year on Republic Day, the Government of India announces the Padma Awards to honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions in various fields. These awards recognise achievements in public affairs, sports, literature, education, science, medicine, social work, arts, and several other areas of national importance.
In 2026, a total of 131 Padma Awards were conferred. These included 5 Padma Vibhushan awards, 13 Padma Bhushan awards, and 113 Padma Shri awards.
Among the recipients were four personalities from Punjab and Chandigarh whose work has influenced countless lives. They are Indian women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar, veteran hockey coach Baldev Singh, spiritual leader Sant Niranjan Das, and former IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sidhu.
The first phase of the Civil Investiture Ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 May 2026. During the ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu presented awards to several distinguished recipients from across the country. Harmanpreet Kaur and coach Baldev Singh received their Padma Shri honours during this phase, while the remaining awardees were scheduled to be honoured in the subsequent ceremony.
Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar: The Face of Modern Indian Women’s Cricket
For millions of cricket fans, Harmanpreet Kaur’s name is synonymous with courage, leadership, and consistency.
Born in Punjab’s Moga district, she developed an interest in cricket at a young age and pursued the sport despite the challenges many girls face in competitive athletics. Over the years, she established herself as one of India’s most accomplished cricketers and became captain of the Indian women’s cricket team.
Her international career has been marked by match-winning performances, leadership under pressure, and an ability to guide younger players through important tournaments. She has scored thousands of runs for India and has played a key role in raising the profile of women’s cricket both nationally and internationally.
Under her captaincy, the Indian team recorded several notable achievements and strengthened its position among the leading teams in world cricket. Her performances have inspired a new generation of young athletes, particularly girls from smaller towns who see sport as a pathway to opportunity.
The Padma Shri recognises not only her achievements in the field but also her contribution to the growth and visibility of women’s cricket in India.
Today, Harmanpreet’s journey stands as proof that determination, discipline, and sustained effort can overcome barriers and create lasting change.
Baldev Singh: The Coach Behind India’s Hockey Success Stories
While players often receive public recognition, coaches often work in the shadows. Few people illustrate this reality better than Baldev Singh.
Widely respected as one of India’s most influential hockey coaches, Baldev Singh dedicated more than four decades to developing young talent. His work transformed Shahbad Markanda into one of the country’s most respected hockey training centres.
Through disciplined coaching methods and a deep understanding of the game, he helped nurture players who would go on to represent India at the highest level. The academy, under his guidance, produced more than 80 international players and eight captains of the Indian national team.
Several celebrated hockey stars, including Rani Rampal and Sandeep Singh, emerged from the system he helped build.
What makes Baldev Singh’s contribution particularly remarkable is his commitment to grassroots development. Rather than pursuing personal fame, he focused on creating opportunities for young athletes and helping them realise their potential.
His efforts were previously recognised through the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2009, India’s highest honour for sports coaching. The Padma Shri now serves as further recognition of a lifetime spent strengthening Indian hockey from the ground up.
His career offers an important reminder that many sporting victories begin long before a match is played. They begin on training grounds, under the guidance of dedicated mentors who invest years in their students’ success.
Sant Niranjan Das: A Lifetime Dedicated to Faith and Social Welfare
For more than seven decades, Sant Niranjan Das has been associated with spiritual guidance and community service.
As the head of Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar district, he has played a significant role in the religious, educational, and social development of the Ravidassia community. His association with the institution began in childhood, and over time, he emerged as one of its most respected leaders.
Since assuming leadership of the dera in 1994, he has overseen the expansion of numerous welfare initiatives to improve access to education, healthcare, and social support.
Under his guidance, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and community service centres have continued to serve people from diverse backgrounds. He has also consistently advocated social harmony, unity, and dignity for historically disadvantaged communities.
His influence extends well beyond Punjab. Devotees and followers across India look to him for spiritual guidance and community leadership.
The Padma Shri recognises his decades of selfless service and acknowledges the impact that faith-based social work can have on society. For many members of the community he serves, the honour represents recognition of years of collective effort devoted to education, welfare, and social upliftment.
Inderjit Singh Sidhu: The Retired Officer Who Never Stopped Serving
Among the four awardees, Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s story stands apart for its simplicity.
A former IPS officer who retired as Deputy Inspector General of Police in 1996, Sidhu chose a path that few would have expected after leaving public service.
Instead of withdrawing from public life, he began cleaning roads, parks, and public spaces in Chandigarh. For years, he has personally participated in cleanliness drives, often working himself during the early hours of the morning.
His objective has never been publicity. Rather, he has sought to encourage citizens to take responsibility for the spaces they share.
Even after learning that he would receive the Padma Shri, he reportedly continued his daily routine without celebration or fanfare. That response reflected the humility that has defined his work for decades.
At 88, he remains committed to the cause he adopted after retirement. His example demonstrates that public service does not end with a government position. It can continue through small but meaningful acts performed consistently over time.
In an age when recognition often attracts attention, Sidhu’s story highlights the enduring value of quiet dedication.
Four Different Paths, One Shared Legacy
The four Padma Shri awardees from Punjab and Chandigarh come from very different walks of life. One excelled in international sport. Another built champions through coaching. One devoted his life to spiritual and social service. The fourth chose civic responsibility as his mission after retirement.
However, a common thread connects them all.
Each spent years working toward goals larger than personal success. Their achievements were not built overnight. They were the result of patience, commitment, and a willingness to serve others.
For Punjab, their recognition is a moment of pride. For the country, their stories offer valuable lessons about leadership, service, and perseverance.
As future generations look for examples of meaningful achievement, these four lives provide a powerful reminder that lasting impact is often created through steady effort over many years.
Leave a Comment