Srinagar , January 26,2026- Renowned Kashmiri scholar, writer, and educator Professor Shafi Shauq has been conferred the Padma Shri 2026, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his lifetime contributions to education, literature, and the Kashmiri language. Born in Kaprin village, Shopian district, Prof. Shauq has spent decades promoting literacy, scholarship, and cultural preservation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Over his distinguished career, Shauq has authored, edited, and translated more than 100 books across Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, and English, including dictionaries, grammar guides, poetry collections, and historical works on regional literature. His seminal works, such as Keeshur Lugaat (Kashmiri Dictionary) and Kaeshir Zaban ti Adibuk Tawaariekh (History of the Kashmiri Language and Literature), have become cornerstone references for scholars and students alike.
A former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Kashmir and long-time member of the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, Prof. Shauq has dedicated his life to fostering academic excellence and preserving Kashmir’s literary heritage. His efforts have not only enriched local scholarship but also showcased the depth and diversity of Kashmiri literature to a national and international audience.
Speaking on the occasion, cultural leaders and government officials praised Prof. Shauq for his tireless dedication to education and literature, noting that the award is a recognition of both personal achievement and the broader contribution of Jammu and Kashmir’s literary community.
The Padma Shri 2026 adds to India’s tradition of honoring individuals whose work strengthens education, culture, and national integration, highlighting Shauq’s role as a bridge between scholarship, language, and society.
