Prayagraj: The process of selecting recipients for the country’s highest civilian honors—the prestigious Padma Awards—is in full swing. For the year 2026, the District Magistrate (DM) of Prayagraj has forwarded the names of nine eminent personalities to the Chief Secretary for consideration. These recommendations span diverse fields, including literature, education, folk music, folk dance, and social service.
Preparation of the Report
As per directives, the Department of Culture prepared a detailed report highlighting the achievements of the nominated individuals. This report was then sent in three different phases to the DM’s office. After thorough scrutiny, the DM finalized nine names from Prayagraj and officially submitted them to the Chief Secretary.
The Nominees from Prayagraj
The distinguished figures whose names have been recommended include:
- Raj Narayan Patel
- Phoolmati Meher
- Vinay Chandra
- Loknatya artist Atul Yaduvanshi
- Writer and educator Manoj Kumar Verma
Additionally, recommendations were made in the category of folk music and dance for:
- Uday Pratap Singh
- Vandana Pandey
- Vandana Shukla
- Anoop Kumar Nigam
Online Nomination Process
It is important to note that the Padma Award nomination process is conducted entirely online. The government invites recommendations from the public as well as institutions, which are then examined at the district level. The Prayagraj DM’s office shortlisted these nine names after verifying their credentials, contributions, and long-standing service in their respective fields.
Next Steps
The final list, once endorsed by the state government, will be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. After careful screening and consultation with various committees, the selected individuals will eventually be honored by the President of India on the occasion of Republic Day in New Delhi.
A Matter of Pride for Prayagraj
If approved, these names will bring immense pride to Prayagraj, which has historically been a hub of culture, education, and art. From literature to folk traditions, the city’s contribution to Indian cultural heritage continues to shine through the efforts of such personalities.
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