The Northeast came into national focus this Republic Day as ten eminent personalities from the region were named Padma Shri awardees, one of India’s highest civilian honours. The recipients represent diverse fields such as theatre, dance, folk music, silk innovation, social service, education and community leadership, reflecting decades of grassroots contributions.

Assam topped the list with five awardees, including Guwahati-based theatre veteran Nuruddin Ahmed, a pioneer of modern Assamese stage design and a key figure in the state’s mobile theatre movement. Other honourees from Assam include Sattriya dancer Haricharan Saikia, eri-silk innovator Jogesh Deuri, Karbi folk music exponent Pokhila Lekthepi, and former parliamentarian Kabindra Purkayastha, who was honoured posthumously.

From other Northeastern states, the Padma Shri was awarded to Arunachal Pradesh social worker Techi Gubin, Manipuri cultural icon Yumnam Jatra Singh (posthumous), Meghalaya community leader Hally War, Nagaland artist Sangyusang S Pongener, and Tripura litterateur and educationist Naresh Chandra Dev Varma.

Speaking after the announcement, Nuruddin Ahmed said the honour belonged to everyone who supported his journey and emphasised honesty and dedication to work. The awards have been widely welcomed across the Northeast as recognition of individuals who have quietly shaped society through sustained and meaningful contributions. The Padma Shri awards will be formally presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year.