The Jammu and Kashmir State Awards for Republic Day 2026 have honoured 56 outstanding individuals for their exceptional courage, dedication, and contributions across multiple fields, reinforcing the Union Territory’s commitment to recognising real-life heroes and achievers.
As per an official order issued by M. Raju, Commissioner Secretary, General Administrative Department, the awardees come from diverse backgrounds, including public service, media, literature, sports, performing arts, crafts, social reform, and entrepreneurship.
Martyr Adil Hussain Shah Honoured for Supreme Courage
One of the most emotional moments of the awards was the posthumous recognition of Adil Hussain Shah, a resident of Hapatnar village in Pahalgam, who sacrificed his life while trying to protect tourists during the terror attack in Baisaran Valley on April 22, 2025.
Shah courageously confronted Pakistani terrorists during the attack, laying down his life along with 25 tourists. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, the Jammu and Kashmir government posthumously conferred upon him a cash award of ₹1 lakh along with a citation, honouring his selfless sacrifice and heroism.
In the same bravery category, Police Sub-Inspector Nikhil Kumar of Gangyal Police Station was also recognised for his exemplary service. He will receive a cash reward of ₹51,000 and a citation.
Journalists and Media Professionals Recognised
The government honoured 12 media professionals for their contribution to journalism and public awareness. Among the prominent awardees were Inayat Jehangir, PTI Srinagar Bureau Chief, and Somil Abrol, PTI Video Journalist from Jammu.
Other journalists who received the honour include Avtar Krishan Bhat (Daily Excelsior), Vivek Suri, Sunil Ji Bhat, Dinesh Manhotra, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Razia Noor, Ishfaq Gowhar Zargar, Syed Khalid Hussain, Sarosh Kafeel, and Neeta Sharma, recognising their commitment to responsible and impactful reporting.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously conferred on former IAS officer Mohammad Shafi Pandit, acknowledging his decades-long contribution to administration and public service in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meritorious Public Service Awardees
Several senior officials were honoured for Meritorious Public Service, including:
- V. S. Senthil Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu
- Tariq Ganai, Managing Director, J&K Medical Supplies Corporation
- Rohit Sharma, Additional Secretary, General Administration Department
- Pooja Wazir, Superintending Engineer, Public Works (R&B) Department
- Dr (Prof) Majid Jahangir, Principal, Government Medical College, Baramulla
Their leadership and commitment have significantly strengthened public institutions in the Union Territory.
Literature Awards Celebrate Regional Languages
The awards also celebrated excellence in literature, particularly regional languages. Honourees included:
- Yashpaul Nirmal – Dogri literature
- Choudhary Hassan Parwaz – Gojri literature
- Parwaiz Manoos – Pahari literature
- Fayaz Dilbar – Poet (posthumously)
- Kewal Krishan Sharma – Writer and poet
- Rattan Lal Sharma – Writer and translator
Their work has preserved and enriched the cultural and literary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Outstanding Sports Persons Honoured
In the sports category, the government recognised athletes who have brought pride to the region at national and international levels. Awardees included:
- Aquib Nabi Dar and Brijesh Sharma – Cricket
- Rakesh Singh and Vishal Khajuria – Judo
- Saleem Kumar – Wushu
- Ravees Ahmad and Mohammad Iqbal – Athletics
- Sudipti Khanna – Gymnastics
- Aiyza Naz Chib – Skating
Performing Arts Awards Highlight Cultural Excellence
The performing arts category honoured artists who have kept Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural traditions alive:
- Tanya Dev Gupta – Singer
- Anil Tickoo – Actor
- Ayash Arif – Actor and Director
- Abdul Hamid Bhat – Rabab artist
- Raman Singh Slathia – Dogri folk singer
- Sunil Sharma – Singer and music director
- Ajay Kumar Sharma – Theatre
- Sudesh K. Verma – Producer and director
- Neeraj Verma – Tabla artist
Excellence in Arts and Crafts
Recognising master artisans, the awards for excellence in arts and crafts were presented to:
- Sajjad Husain Bhat – Sozni embroidery artisan
- Bhushan Kesar – Artist and art educator
- Mohammad Shafi Bhat – Kani shawl artisan
- Razia Mushtaq – Artisan
- Ishfar Ali – Senior craft instructor (Paper Pulp)
Social Reform and Empowerment Champions
The government also honoured individuals working for social change and empowerment:
- Arhan Bagati, Founder of KYARI (Kashmir’s Yumberzal Applied Research Institute)
- Mehjabeen Nabi, Founder and President of Care Foundation and Charitable Trust, Srinagar
- Saadat Nasir Wani Sogami, Chairman of Team Red NGO, Kashmir
Outstanding Industrial Entrepreneurship Awardees
In the field of industrial entrepreneurship, the awards were given to:
- Mohammad Niyaz-ul-Kabir – GR8 Sports
- Sheikh Yameen – Heaventure Adventures Private Limited
- Sunil Singh – Walnut Grower, Kishtwar Gold Walnut Farm
These entrepreneurs have contributed significantly to economic growth and employment generation in the region.
