Uday Kotak, the Founder and Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, was conferred with the Padma Bhushan award on January 26, 2026, for his significant contributions to the trade and industry sector. Kotak expressed his gratitude and humility upon receiving the award, stating that the India of today is unrecognizable from the one he was born in. He noted that the journey has been exhilarating, but there is still much work to be done. Kotak chose to focus on the path of karma, with a sense of aspiration and paranoia, while being conscious of ground realities. He believes that the people of India will make the country even greater.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal congratulated Kotak on his achievement, acknowledging his instrumental role in shaping modern Indian banking. Goyal praised Kotak’s contributions to strengthening the country’s financial sector, which reflect strong leadership and a long-term vision. The Padma Bhushan award is one of the highest civilian honors in India, and it is given to recognize excellence and service in various fields.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the Padma Awards 2026 on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, recognizing 131 awardees across diverse fields such as art, public affairs, medicine, literature, education, sports, science, and engineering. The awards include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. This year’s honors include 19 women awardees, six individuals from the category of foreigners or persons of Indian origin abroad, and 16 posthumous honors.
Kotak’s award is a testament to his dedication and hard work in the banking sector. As one of the leading bankers in India, he has played a significant role in shaping the country’s financial landscape. His contributions have been recognized not only in India but also globally. The Padma Bhushan award is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts, and it will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in his footsteps. With his acceptance of the award, Kotak has reiterated his commitment to the development of India and its people, and his words will surely resonate with many.