On January 26, 2026, Uday Kotak, the Founder and Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, was conferred the Padma Bhushan award for his significant contributions to the trade and industry sector. The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India, and Kotak was among 131 recipients of the Padma Awards 2026. Upon receiving the award, Kotak expressed his gratitude and humility, stating that the India of today is unrecognizable from the one he was born in. He noted that the journey has been exhilarating and that he chooses the path of karma with a sense of paranoia, aspiration, and consciousness of ground realities.
Kotak’s award was recognized by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, who congratulated him on his achievement. Goyal noted that Kotak’s contributions to strengthening the country’s financial sector have been significant and reflective of strong leadership and a long-term vision. The Padma Awards 2026 were announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, recognizing excellence and service across diverse fields, including art, public affairs, medicine, literature, and education.
The 2026 list comprises 131 awardees, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. The awards also 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 shaping modern Indian banking. As he said, “We have miles to go before we sleep,” indicating that there is still much work to be done to further advance India’s banking ecosystem and make the country even greater.
The recognition of Kotak’s contributions to the trade and industry sector is a significant milestone in his career, and his award is an inspiration to many. The Padma Awards 2026 are a celebration of the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, and Kotak’s award is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts. With his award, Kotak joins a list of esteemed individuals who have been recognized for their excellence and service to the nation.