Lucknow/Varanasi: The spirit of Republic Day 2026 shone brightly across Uttar Pradesh as the state’s sons and daughters received some of the country’s highest civilian and gallantry honours. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an officer of the Indian Air Force and India’s second astronaut, has been awarded the Ashok Chakra, the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award. Meanwhile, legendary violinist Professor N. Rajam of Varanasi has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan for her outstanding contribution to Indian classical music.
The announcements were made on the eve of Republic Day, and the awards were formally presented during the national समारोह on Monday. President Droupadi Murmu also approved gallantry awards for 70 personnel of the Armed Forces and announced 982 police medals for bravery and distinguished service. In addition, the Union Government declared 131 Padma awardees, including 11 eminent personalities from Uttar Pradesh.
Ashok Chakra for Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a native of Lucknow, has etched his name in history by becoming one of the few Indians to represent the country aboard the International Space Station (ISS). For his exceptional courage, service and contribution to the nation, he has been selected for the Ashok Chakra, an honour rarely bestowed and regarded as the pinnacle of peacetime gallantry.
The news sparked celebrations within his family and neighbourhood. His parents, Shambhu Dayal Shukla and Asha Shukla, left for New Delhi immediately after receiving the information, having been invited to attend the ceremony. Expressing pride, his father said the moment was deeply emotional for the family, while his mother described her son’s achievement as something beyond imagination.
Shubhanshu’s sister Suchi Mishra called the honour a matter of pride not only for the family but for Lucknow and the entire nation. Relatives recalled the joy they felt earlier when Shubhanshu safely returned after hoisting the Indian tricolour aboard the ISS.
Padma Vibhushan for Music Legend N. Rajam
Varanasi added another jewel to its cultural legacy with Professor N. Rajam being named a Padma Vibhushan awardee. A globally renowned violin virtuoso, Prof. Rajam began her journey as a child prodigy and went on to carve a unique identity in Indian classical music by adapting the violin to the Khyal gayaki ang.
She served as a professor at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and later as Dean of Performing Arts, inspiring generations of students. Her performances across the world have played a pivotal role in taking Indian classical music to international audiences.
Padma Shri Honours for Ten Eminent Personalities from UP
Uttar Pradesh also witnessed wide representation among the Padma Shri awardees, with distinguished contributions across theatre, archaeology, medicine, agriculture, sports and traditional arts. The recipients include:
- Dr Anil Kumar Rastogi (Lucknow) – Theatre and film artist
- Dr Buddha Rashmi Mani (Lucknow) – Senior archaeologist and former ASI official
- Prof Mangala Kapoor (Varanasi) – Music academic and performer
- Dr Ashok Kumar Singh (Ghazipur) – Agricultural scientist
- Praveen Kumar (Noida) – Para-athlete, high jump
- Dr Rajendra Prasad (Lucknow) – Pulmonary medicine expert
- Dr Kewal Krishna Thakral (Lucknow) – Ayurveda scholar and surgeon
- Shyam Sundar (Varanasi) – Scientist known for kala-azar treatment
- Chiranjee Lal Yadav (Moradabad) – Brassware artisan
- Late Raghupat Singh (Moradabad) – Progressive farmer
Recognition for Police Bravery
As part of Republic Day honours, 18 police personnel from Uttar Pradesh were awarded gallantry medals, including officers from the ranks of ASP, DSP, Inspector, Sub-Inspector, Head Constable and Constable, acknowledging their courage and dedication in the line of duty.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.