Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday, 2 July 2026, extended warm congratulations to celebrated lyricist, poet and Padma Shri awardee Prasoon Joshi on his selection for the prestigious NBT Bhushan Samman, recognising his outstanding and long-standing contributions to literature, culture, creativity and mass communication.

Posting on X, Chief Minister Dhami wrote — 'देवभूमि उत्तराखंड के सपूत, प्रख्यात लेखक, कवि एवं पद्मश्री से सम्मानित श्री Prasoon Joshi जी को... एनबीटी भूषण सम्मान हेतु चयनित होने पर हार्दिक बधाई' — ('Heartfelt congratulations to son of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, renowned writer, poet and Padma Shri awardee Prasoon Joshi on being selected for the NBT Bhushan Samman'). He added that Joshi's writing, songs and creativity have enriched Indian literature, cinema and mass communication, earning him a distinguished identity both within India and abroad.

Context

The NBT Bhushan Samman is conferred by the National Book Trust (NBT), an autonomous body under India's Ministry of Education, established in 1957 to promote books, reading culture and literary recognition across Indian languages. The honour acknowledges individuals who have made exceptional and enduring contributions to the literary and cultural landscape of the country.

Prasoon Joshi, a native of Uttarakhand, is one of India's most recognised creative voices — a lyricist behind some of Hindi cinema's most celebrated songs, a poet, a screenwriter and a leading figure in Indian advertising. He was earlier honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for his distinguished service to literature and the arts.

Policy Backdrop

The National Book Trust has instituted a range of honours since its founding to spotlight lifetime contributions to writing, publishing and the promotion of Indian languages. These awards form part of a broader institutional effort to sustain and celebrate India's literary heritage at a national level.

Chief Ministers and senior leaders from the ruling BJP have consistently used public platforms to highlight achievements of prominent individuals from their states, framing such recognition within narratives of regional pride and national cultural contribution. Uttarakhand, officially referred to as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), is frequently positioned by its leadership as a wellspring of literary, spiritual and artistic talent.

Stakeholders and Impact

The recognition of Prasoon Joshi resonates widely across India's literary community, the Hindi film industry and the advertising world, where he has left a significant imprint over decades. His work spans socially resonant film lyrics, poetry rooted in Indian cultural traditions and mass communication campaigns that have reached millions of Indians.

For Uttarakhand, the award reinforces the state's cultural identity and its contribution to national creative life. Chief Minister Dhami's public message also signals continued state-level emphasis on honouring the arts and inspiring younger generations from the region.

What's Next

The formal ceremony for the NBT Bhushan Samman is expected to be announced by the National Book Trust in the coming months. Observers of India's literary and cultural calendar will watch for any parallel state or central honours that may accompany the recognition. Chief Minister Dhami expressed confidence that Prasoon Joshi will continue to inspire the new generation and scale new heights in his creative journey.