President Droupadi Murmu on Monday presented the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Awards for 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
Among the awardees, noted Kashmiri writer and scholar Prof. Shafi Shauq was honoured for his contribution to literature and education.
Born in Shopian district of Kashmir in 1950, Prof. Shauq has authored, edited and translated more than 106 books in Kashmiri, English, Hindi and Urdu. He taught in the University for 33 years and retired as HOD, Dean Faculty of Arts, and Dean Faculty of Oriental Learning. He has also contributed to several national literary projects, including Medieval Indian Literature, Encyclopedia of Indian Literature and Oxford Companion to Indian Theatre.
Prof. Shauq’s notable works include Kaeshur Lughat, Yaad Aasmaanan Hinz, Zabaan ti Adab, Kaeshri Adabuk Tawaariekh and Kaeshur Grammar. He has translated several literary works under the series The Best of Kashmiri Literature and has also written scripts for television serials and films. He is a recipient of several honours, including the Sahitya Akademi Award for poetry in 2006 and the Sahitya Akademi Award for translation in 2007.
