JAIPUR: The historic City Palace in Jaipur hosted the prestigious Sawai Jaipur Awards 2026 on October 22, commemorating the birth anniversary of Brigadier Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh, MVC. The annual ceremony recognised individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions across 25 categories, bringing together distinguished personalities from literature, music, science, journalism, medicine, sports, industry and social service.
Singer Kailash Kher and author Amish Tripathi were among the prominent recipients at the ceremony, which celebrated achievements reflecting Jaipur's cultural heritage and its continuing contribution to India's intellectual, artistic and social landscape.
The event was attended by members of Jaipur's erstwhile royal family, including Sawai Padmanabh Singh, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and Gauravi Kumari.
Kailash Kher, Amish Tripathi among leading awardees
Kailash Kher received the Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II Award for his contribution to theatre, film and television. During the ceremony, the celebrated singer shared lines from his popular song Teri Deewani and spoke about his personal connection with City Palace.
Author Amish Tripathi received the Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh Award for his contribution to literature and education.
Other recipients included professionals working in environmental protection, traditional crafts, tourism, scientific research, photography, performing arts, sports, women's achievement and heritage conservation.
The following is the category-wise list of awardees reported for the 2026 ceremony.
Social service, culture and public contribution
1. Raja Dulha Rai Award — Social work
Vimukti organisation
2. Raja Kakil Dev Award — Culture
Tata Trusts
3. Raja Pajvan Dev Award — Medicine
Dr. Mohnish Grover
4. Raja Bhagwant Das Award — Traditional crafts
Professor Bhawani Shankar Sharma
8. Maharaja Vishan Singh Award — Tourism
Rajiv Kohli
9. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II Award — Science
Dr. Gobind Sagar Bharadwaj
10. Maharaja Sawai Ishwari Singh Award — Journalism
Kiran Rajpurohit
11. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I Award — Public service and philanthropy
Rohit Kumar Singh
Literature, arts, media and sports
Madhav Singhania
21. Rajmata Padmini Devi Award — Loyal and disciplined service to the royal family
Surendra Singh Shekhawat
22. Princess Diya Kumari Award — Achievement
Ritu Singh
23. Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh Award — Heritage preservation
Radha Goenka
24. Rajkumari Gauravi Kumari Award — Innovation and social impact
Kamla Poddar
25. Maharaja Lakshraj Prakash of Sirmaur Award — Outstanding achievement
Vishwajeet
A celebration of Jaipur's living heritage
The Sawai Jaipur Awards continue to connect the city's royal history with contemporary achievements. By honouring contributions ranging from traditional craftsmanship and environmental protection to modern literature and scientific work, the awards highlight the diversity of talent working across Rajasthan and India.
The ceremony at City Palace also reinforced the role of heritage institutions in recognising public service, creativity and excellence beyond conventional professional boundaries
