New Delhi, Jan. 26 -- The annual Padma awards list offers a useful peek into India's evolution from a newly independent nation in the 1950s to a country that, in the 21st century, increasingly celebrates entrepreneurs alongside artistes and cultural icons. Over the decades, however, scientists and doctors who helped drive modern India's innovation have steadily lost ground, with a shrinking presence among awardees. This year marks a notable reversal.

In 2026, science and engineering recorded their highest tally of Padma awardees in 12 years, while medicine logged its biggest haul in a decade. The two categories had 11 and 15 names, respectively, among the 131 recipients of India's highest civilian honours announced by the government on S...