GUWAHATI: Five distinguished personalities from Assam were honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, during a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, June 23. President Droupadi Murmu presented a total of 65 Padma awards to recipients from across the country.
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The awardees from Assam include Haricharan Saikia, Dr. Jogesh Deuri, Nuruddin Ahmed, Pokhila Lekthepi and Kabindra Purkayastha, who was honoured posthumously.
Haricharan Saikia was recognised for his lifelong contribution to preserving and promoting the classical Sattriya dance tradition of Assam.
Dr. Jogesh Deuri, a noted sericulture scientist, was honoured for his pioneering work in modernising Eri silk production. A former Director of Sericulture in the Bodoland Territorial Council, he spent more than three decades promoting scientific silk cultivation and improving rural livelihoods.
Nuruddin Ahmed was recognised for his contributions to Assamese theatre and stagecraft. The Nalbari-based artist designed sets for more than 450 mobile theatre productions and served as art director for 75 films, including the National Award-winning Assamese film Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai.
Pokhila Lekthepi, one of the most celebrated voices in Karbi folk music, was honoured for her efforts in preserving and popularising Karbi cultural traditions over a career spanning more than five decades. She hails from Dokmoka in Karbi Anglong district.
Former Union Communications Minister Kabindra Purkayastha received the Padma Shri posthumously for his contributions to public affairs. A three-time Lok Sabha MP from Silchar, he served in the government led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Apart from Assam, Padma Shri awards were also conferred on awardees from other Northeastern states, including Yumnan Jatra Singh, Hally War, Techi Gubin, Sangyusang Tongener and Naresh Chandra Debbarma.