NEW DELHI, May 25: President of India Droupadi Murmu today conferred Padma Awards on 66 distinguished personalities during the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The awards, among the country’s highest civilian honours, were presented in recognition of exceptional contribution in different fields, including literature, education, social work, science, public affairs and arts.
Among the awardees from Jammu and Kashmir, Prof. Shafi Shauq was conferred the Padma Shri for his distinguished contribution to Literature and Education. Prof Shauq is a noted writer, scholar, translator and academician who has authored, edited and translated more than 106 books in Kashmiri, English, Hindi and Urdu languages. Born in Shopian district of Kashmir Valley, he completed his higher education from the University of Kashmir and later served the institution for more than 33 years. He retired as Head of the Department besides serving as Dean Faculty of Arts and Dean Faculty of Oriental Learning.
Prof Shauq is widely known for his contribution to Kashmiri language and literature. His prominent works include Kaeshur Lughat, Yaad Aasmaanan Hinz, Zabaan ti Adab, Kaeshri Adabuk Tawaariekh and Kaeshur Grammar. He also translated several literary works under the series The Best of Kashmiri Literature and wrote scripts for television serials and films. Over the years, he has received several prestigious honours, including Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry, Sahitya Akademi Award for Translation and Bhasha Samman Award from CIIL Mysore.
Another distinguished personality from Jammu and Kashmir, Brij Lal Bhat, has also been selected for the Padma Shri in the field of social work. He will receive the award during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony to be held later at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
For 2026, the President has approved 131 Padma Awards, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards.
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