Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal met three Padma Awardees from Assam — Smt Pokhila Lekthepi, Shri Nuruddin Ahmed, and Dr Jogesh Deuri — at a special interaction hosted by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday, 23 June 2026.

Context

Sonowal described the meeting as 'deeply inspiring,' saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision has ensured that 'the monumental efforts of grassroots heroes are rightfully celebrated on the highest national stage.' The interaction brought together awardees whose contributions span Karbi cultural preservation, rural livelihood development, and fine arts.

The three awardees represent distinct facets of Assam's cultural and social fabric. Smt Pokhila Lekthepi has been recognised for preserving Karbi culture through songs, while Shri Nuruddin Ahmed has worked to empower rural livelihoods through Eri silk production. Dr Jogesh Deuri has contributed to elevating Assam's cultural landscape through art.

Policy Backdrop

The interaction fits within the framework of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat, the national integration programme launched in 2015 to foster cultural exchange and unity across Indian states. Sonowal explicitly invoked the programme, describing the three awardees as 'remarkable ambassadors' who have brought 'profound transformations in the true spirit of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat.'

The Padma Awards, India's civilian honours conferred annually for distinguished contributions in fields including art, culture, and social work, have in recent years seen an expanded representation of grassroots and regional nominees from Northeast India. The current administration has consistently used the awards and associated high-profile interactions to project an inclusive nationalism that elevates voices from the country's periphery to the national stage.

Stakeholders and Impact

For Assamese cultural practitioners and rural artisans, the recognition signals continued federal attention to the Northeast's traditional knowledge systems and cottage industries. Eri silk weaving, in particular, is a significant livelihood source for rural communities in Assam, and national-level recognition can translate into greater market visibility and policy support.

The preservation of Karbi tribal culture through oral traditions such as songs addresses a documented concern among indigenous communities in Assam about the erosion of intangible cultural heritage. Civilian honours for such practitioners lend institutional weight to grassroots conservation efforts that often operate without formal government backing.

What's Next

The spotlight on Assam's Padma Awardees is likely to renew attention to state-level cultural exchange programmes under Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat that involve the Northeast. The next round of Padma Awards nominations will be watched for whether the trend of recognising grassroots regional contributors continues. As a former Chief Minister of Assam now serving at the Union Cabinet level, Sonowal remains a key bridge between New Delhi's policy priorities and the cultural aspirations of the state's diverse communities.