AIR Launches ‘People’s Padma’ Series Spotlighting Unsung Heroes Ahead of Awards

All India Radio (AIR), also known as Akashvani , will broadcast a special 16-episode series titled ‘People’s Padma on Akashvani’ , celebrating the journeys and contributions of Padma awardees, particularly grassroots changemakers and lesser-known achievers who have shaped India’s social and cultural fabric.

The special programmes will begin on May 24 , a day ahead of the Padma Awards 2026 civil investiture ceremony, where President Droupadi Murmu will confer the honours on May 25.

According to officials, the series aims to bring listeners closer to the inspiring stories behind the awardees, many of whom have worked quietly in fields such as folk arts, tribal welfare, education, environmental conservation, traditional medicine and social service. The programmes will air on 100.1 Akashvani Gold from 9:10 am onwards on May 24 and 25, and will also be available on the News On Air app and the NEWS ON AIR OFFICIAL YouTube channel.

Officials said the initiative reflects the evolving character of the Padma awards under the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , where increasing emphasis has been placed on recognising “unsung heroes” from remote and underserved communities. This approach has helped transform the honours into what is popularly described as the “People’s Padma.”

The radio series also underlines the continuing relevance of public broadcasting in preserving human stories that may otherwise remain unnoticed. By taking the narratives of grassroots achievers to a national audience, AIR seeks to connect younger generations with individuals whose work has contributed to India’s cultural diversity, social progress and community resilience.

As one of the world’s largest broadcasting organisations, AIR operates 470 centres across the country , reaching nearly 99.19 per cent of India’s population through broadcasts in 23 languages and 179 dialects .