Padma Awards: Muslim artists, scholars honoured for excellence in folk arts, literature, education
New Delhi: Veteran actor Mammootty and four other distinguished Muslim personalities have been honoured with the Padma Awards 2026, on the eve of Republic Day. The awards recognise outstanding contributions across fields such as art, culture, literature and education.
Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, famed as Mammootty, the towering figure of Malayalam cinema has been conferred the Padma Bhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award. With a career spanning more than five decades, the multilingual actor has featured in over 400 films including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English.
Speaking to Mathrubhumi News, Mammootty said, "Santosham, athi santhosham… there is nothing bigger than the honour from the country"
Mammootty was previously honoured with the Padma Shri in 2021 and was a National Film Awardee thrice; In addition to it, he also have won 11 Kerala State Film Awards.
Ghaffaruddin Mewati Jogi, from Rajasthan, one among the other Padma Shree awardees, has been recognised for his contribution to folk arts. The maestro of the Bhapang instrument and the sole surviving practitioner of Pandun ka Kada, a Mahabharata-based folk story telling custom, he has preserved the said folk art for about six decades. Hailing from the Mewati Jogi community, celebrated for the syncretic musical heritage, Ghaffaruddin’s performances were abstracts from epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana; Also, his narratives were centred around Hindu deities like Shiva, Shri Ram, and Shri Krishna. Responding to the honour came his way, he said, "It is a great joy to see my work recognised at the national level. I hope our folk traditions continue to inspire future generations"
Gujarati folk musician Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, famed as Haji Ramakdu, has also been awarded the Padma Shri. Renowned for his excellence in playing the Dholak, he has performed extensively in various genres including Bhajans, Santvani, Ghazals and Qawwali, with more than 3,000 performances and over 1,000 stage shows to his credit.
Nuruddin Ahmed, an Assamese sculptor and visual artist, has been honoured for his contributions to art and culture. Famed for his Durga Puja idols, temple sculptures and large-scale installations, his creations reflect a blend of scriptural knowledge and artistic craftsmanship. He has also sculpted figures of prominent Assamese personalities such as Bhupen Hazarika and Gopinath Bordoloi.
Responding to the honour came his way, he said, "Art is a way to connect with people and culture. I am humbled that my work has been recognised nationally"
Prof. Shafi Shauq, an academic and literary figure from Kashmir, has also been named for the Padma Shri in recognition of his contributions to education and literature. Born in 1950, Shauq has authored, edited and translated more than 100 works in Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi and English, including the widely regarded Keeshur Lugaat and Kaeshir Zabana ti Adibuk Tawaariekh. He served as a professor at the University of Kashmir for over 30 years, mentoring generations of students and scholars. "It is a matter of immense pride to be recognised for work I have devoted my life to" Shauq expressed his joy.
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EC-TMC meet ends on bitter note; CEC asks TMC delegation to 'get lost', MP accused of 'shouting'
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New Delhi (PTI): The meeting between a Trinamool Congress delegation and the full bench of the Election Commission on Wednesday culminated on an acrimonious note, with the TMC saying the panel's chief asked them to "get lost" at the end of the seven-minute meeting, while the EC accused them of "shouting".
After the meeting, TMC's Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien told mediapersons that they handed over letters from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, and also apprised him of specific instances of poll officials having links with the BJP.
"Then he said, 'Get lost'. We have done eight to nine meetings with the Election Commission. Apart from the CEC, none of the other election commissioners spoke," O'Brien said.
"While we were walking out, one of my colleagues congratulated Gyanesh Kumar for being the only CEC to have notices moved in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for his removal," O'Brien MP said.
Meanwhile, sources in the Election Commission said the poll panel chief gave a "straight talk" to TMC leaders.
They accused O'Brien of shouting at the election commissioners and alleged that he asked the CEC not to speak.
The EC sources further said the elections in West Bengal would be "fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free."
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