Vijay Amritraj, Two Indian American Doctors Win Padma Awards 

Photo (Left to RIght): Vijay Amritraj, Dr Prateek Sharma, Dr Nori

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Three Indian Americans are among the 131 recipients named in the Government of India’s Padma Awards list for 2026, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs ahead of Republic Day. The honors, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards, with the recipients to be formally felicitated at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year.

Leading the list of Indian American awardees is tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, who has been conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honor. Amritraj, one of the most recognisable faces of Indian tennis globally, won 16 singles titles during his professional career and played a pivotal role in elevating India’s standing in international tennis. He later served as India’s Davis Cup captain and, following his retirement from competitive sport, became a prominent tennis broadcaster in the United States, including with Fox Sports. Amritraj, who had earlier received the Padma Shri, has also been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, underscoring his lasting impact on the sport.

The Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, has been conferred on Dr Prateek Sharma for his contributions to medicine. Dr Sharma is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases and cancers. His research and clinical leadership in advanced imaging and endoscopic treatments have significantly improved early detection and patient outcomes, setting new benchmarks in gastroenterology. Colleagues credit his work with transforming standards of care and influencing clinical practice worldwide, earning him wide respect within the global medical community.

The third Indian American awardee is Dr Nori Dattatreyudu, a globally renowned radiation oncologist, who has been honored with the Padma Bhushan for his pioneering contributions to cancer treatment. Born in Mantada village in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, Dr Nori completed his medical education at Kurnool Medical College and pursued postgraduate studies at Osmania Medical College. Over several decades, he has emerged as a leading figure in radiation oncology, serving as a consultant to the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency and as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute.

The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors and are announced annually to recognize exceptional service across diverse fields, including public affairs, science, medicine, sports, arts and social work.