Delhi, 13 june In a proud moment for India's cultural and academic community, renowned classical vocalist and musicologist Prof. Mangala Kapoor has been selected for the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2026 in recognition of her exceptional contribution to Indian classical music, music education, and research. The award is among India's highest civilian honours and recognizes distinguished service across various fields. Popularly known as "Kashi Ki Lata," Prof. Mangala Kapoor is a distinguished exponent of the Gwalior Gharana, one of the oldest and most influential schools of Hindustani classical music. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to preserving and promoting India's rich musical heritage through performances, teaching, and scholarly research. A Journey of Courage and Inspiration Beyond her musical achievements, Prof. Kapoor's life story is one of extraordinary resilience. An acid attack survivor who faced immense challenges during her childhood, she overcame adversity through determination and an unwavering commitment to music. Her inspiring journey has made her a role model for generations of students and artists. Having served as a professor at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Prof. Kapoor has mentored countless students and contributed significantly to music education and research. She is also known for offering free music training to aspiring learners, ensuring that the traditions of Indian classical music continue to flourish. Recognition of Excellence The Padma Shri honour recognizes not only Prof. Mangala Kapoor's artistic excellence but also her lifelong dedication to nurturing talent, preserving cultural traditions, and advancing scholarly understanding of Indian classical music. Her recognition under the Padma Awards 2026 underscores the nation's appreciation for artists and educators who enrich India's cultural legacy. #PadmaAwards2026 #PadmaShri #MangalaKapoor #IndianClassicalMusic #HindustaniMusic #GwaliorGharana #Musicologist #ClassicalVocalist #BHU #KashiKiLata #IndianCulture #MusicEducation #PeoplesPadma2026 #Varanasi #InspiringWomen #BreakingNews

Padma Shri