‘Tripura Bhushan’ Naresh Chandra Dev Varma Named Padma Shri Awardee for 2026
Agartala Jan 25: Naresh Chandra Dev Varma of Tripura has been conferred the Padma Shri for 2026 in recognition of his significant contributions to literature and education. The honour was approved by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and announced on the eve of Republic Day.
Notably, Government of Tripura honoured him with the Tripura Bhushan Award in 2024.
According to a PIB Press Release, Dev Varma is among the 113 distinguished personalities selected for the Padma Shri this year, part of a larger list of 131 Padma Awards approved for 2026. His selection places Tripura on the national honours map, highlighting the state’s contribution to intellectual and educational advancement.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha congratulated Dev Varma. In an X post, Dr Saha said Tripura is proud of Dev Varma.
Heartiest congratulations to Shri Naresh Chandra Dev Varma Ji, on being conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri for his exemplary contributions to Kokborok literature and education.
In recognition of his outstanding service, the Government of Tripura honoured him with the… pic.twitter.com/01AXhValNw
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) January 25, 2026
The North Eastern region has a notable presence in the Padma Awards list this year, with 10 personalities from the region receiving Padma honours. Assam leads with five Padma Shri awardees—the highest from any North Eastern state. The recipients from Assam are Haricharan Saikia (Art), Jogesh Deuri (Agriculture), Kabindra Purkayastha (Posthumous) (Public Affairs), Nuruddin Ahmed (Art), and Pokhila Lekthepi (Art).
Apart from Tripura, one Padma Shri has been awarded each to Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. From Arunachal Pradesh, social worker Techi Gubin has been recognised for his sustained efforts in community development. Manipur’s Yumnam Jatra Singh (Posthumous) has been honoured for his contribution to the field of art. Meghalaya’s Hally War received the award for social work, while Sangyusang S. Pongener from Nagaland was recognised for his achievements in art.
The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are presented in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. They acknowledge excellence across a wide range of fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil services. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, the Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and the Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.
For 2026, the approved list includes five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, including two duo cases, which are counted as a single award each. The list features 19 women awardees, six recipients from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 16 posthumous honours.
The Padma Awards are traditionally announced on Republic Day and are formally presented by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually during March or April each year.