Guwahati: Eight individuals from India’s Northeast have been conferred the Padma Shri as part of the Padma Awards 2026, announced on the eve of Republic Day, recognising their contributions as “unsung heroes” in diverse fields.
The awardees hail from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura, reflecting the region’s cultural, social and artistic diversity. The Padma Shri honours individuals for distinguished service in various disciplines, including art, culture, social work, agriculture and education.
Among the recipients from Assam are Pokhila Lekthepi for her contribution to Karbi folk and contemporary music, theatre personality Nuruddin Ahmed, and Jogesh Deuri for his work in the agriculture and silk sector.
Manipur’s Yumnam Jatra Singh was recognised for his lifelong dedication to Manipuri dance traditions, while Arunachal Pradesh’s Techi Gubin received the honour for his efforts in preserving indigenous culture and promoting national integration.
From Meghalaya, Hally War was awarded for promoting eco-friendly practices and indigenous knowledge systems. Naresh Chandra Debbarma of Tripura was honoured for his contributions to Kokborok literature and education, while Nagaland’s Sangyusang Pongener was recognised for his work in preserving Naga folk traditions.
The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are conferred annually in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards will be formally presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year.