Nine personalities from Northeast India received the Padma Shree Award 2018 for their contribution in various fields of work.
This year, around 84 Padma awards were announced, including two duo cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one). The list comprises three Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan and 72 Padma Shri awards. The remaining Padma awardees will be conferred with the honour at another special function on April 2.
President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the Padma on March 20, in the national capital. Altogether 44 personalities received the awards this year.
The Nine Padma Shree awardees from NE are –
# Assam’s Arup Kumar Dutta, who has written 16 books for adults and 17 adventure novels.
# Tripura’s Somdev Devvarman received recognition for his contribution in the field of Tennis.
# Lentina Ao Thakkar, who has served for decades at a Gandhi Ashram in Nagaland’s Mokokchung district
# Assam’s Dr Joyasree Goswami Mahanta received the award in the field of Literature and Education. A writer, educationist and social worker from Assam, Dr Mahanta highlights various facets of the society through her literary work
# Nagaland’s Piyong Temjen Jamir received the honour for his contribution in the field of Literature and Education
# Manipur’s Mirabai Chanu received recognition for her contribution in the field of sports weightlifting.
# Manipur’s Langpoklakpam Subadani Devi a traditional weaver received recognition for promoting and preserving traditional way of making clothes.
# Mizoram’s A Zakia is recognized for his contribution in the field of Literature and Education.
# Assam’s Prafulla Govinda Baruah received the award in the field of Literature and Education-Journalism. He has been at the helm of affairs at The Assam Tribune for over half a century now.
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministerial colleagues, and several other dignitaries attended the function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Padma awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports and civil service.