Five remarkable individuals from Assam have been honored with the esteemed Padma Shri 2026, which is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, recognizing their outstanding contributions to art, agriculture, and public service. The awardees from Assam are Haricharan Saikia, Nuruddin Ahmed, Pokhila Lekthepi, Jogesh Deuri, and the late Kabindra Purkayastha.
List of Padma Shri Awardees 2026 from Assam:
Haricharan Saikia (Art): Haricharan Saikia, honoured in the field of Art, is an acclaimed Sattriya dancer with a career spanning six decades. He founded the Sattriya Dance & Music School and has promoted the active participation of women in the classical dance form.
Nuruddin Ahmed (Art): Nuruddin Ahmed of Assam has been awarded the Padma Shri 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Assamese theatre
Pokhila Lekthepi (Art): Pokila Lekthepi from Assam has been conferred the Padma Shri Award 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Karbi folk and modern music
Jogesh Deuri (Agriculture): Jogesh Deuri of Assam has been conferred the Padma Shri Award 2026 for his significant contributions to agriculture and the silk sector
Late Kabindra Purkayastha (Public Affairs): The Padma Shri was conferred posthumously on Kabindra Purkayastha on January 25, 2026, recognising his long-standing contribution to public life.
