President Murmu Confers Padma Bhushan On Uday Kotak For Banking Contributions

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred the Padma Bhushan on Uday Suresh Kumar Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, during the civil investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award is one of India’s highest civilian honours and recognises Kotak’s distinguished contribution to the country’s financial and banking sector over several decades.

The ceremony was held at the Ganatantra Mandap inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex, where the President presented Padma awards to several eminent personalities from the fields of art, literature, public affairs, sports, and industry. The event was attended by senior government dignitaries, including the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, marking the formal recognition of the 2026 Padma awardees approved earlier by the government.

Uday Kotak was honoured in the Padma Bhushan category for his significant role in shaping India’s private banking landscape. As the founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, he is widely credited with building one of India’s leading financial institutions, contributing to innovation in banking services, corporate finance, and investment solutions. His work has been considered influential in strengthening India’s modern financial ecosystem.

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The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India, instituted in 1954, and is awarded for “distinguished service of a high order” in any field. It follows the Padma Vibhushan and precedes the Padma Shri in the hierarchy of civilian honours. The award is presented annually on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations, with recipients formally decorated by the President in a ceremonial function later in the year.

This year’s Padma Awards 2026 ceremony saw 131 individuals being honoured across categories, reflecting contributions in diverse fields including public service, arts, science, education, sports, and industry. Officials noted that the selection aims to recognise lifetime achievements and impactful service to the nation, with recipients drawn from across India and abroad.

The recognition of Uday Kotak alongside other prominent awardees highlights the government’s continued emphasis on acknowledging excellence in economic leadership and institution-building. The ceremony concluded with the President congratulating all recipients and emphasising their role in contributing to India’s progress and national development.

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