Srinagar, Jan 25: Eminent Kashmiri scholar, poet, linguist and translator Prof Shafi Shauq on Sunday was named among the recipients of the Padma Shri Award 2026, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, for his outstanding contribution to education, language and literature.
Expressing happiness over the recognition, Prof Shauq said that it was a moment of great joy to see his name among those who have truly made a difference in society. “I have received many awards and honours in the past, but the Padma Shri is given to very few individuals who have excelled in different fields of life. Being counted among them is a matter of immense pride,” he said.
He said that he was informed early in the morning over phone and that the officials were well aware of his literary work and books. “I never wrote for awards or recognition. I simply accepted whatever came my way,” he added.
Prof Shauq has authored dozens of books in English and Kashmiri, including works on poetry, history, dictionaries and grammars. He has also received several international awards for his poetic contributions. “This honour holds a special place as his name now stands alongside legendary literary figures such as Akhtar Mohiuddin and Rehman Rahi, who were earlier conferred with the Padma Shri,” he said.
With academic background in science and English, Prof Shauq devoted over five decades to Kashmiri language and literature. He served as a professor at the University of Kashmir for more than three decades, teaching Kashmiri literature and guiding students and research scholars. “If my work helps students and researchers, that itself is a great achievement for me,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of documenting indigenous knowledge, noting that he frequently receives queries from across the country and abroad about Kashmiri names of plants, flowers and insects. “Languages are shaped by such knowledge. Poetry is important, but research and information-based writing are equally essential,” he added.
While reaffirming his love for poetry, Prof Shauq said his recent focus has been on comprehensive scholarly works, including books on the history of the Kashmiri language. “People read these works, and that gives me happiness. I encourage poets to write what they know and contribute something meaningful for future generations,” he said.
Sharing a message for young writers, Prof Shauq urged them to move beyond poetry alone and engage with research-based writing. “Writers often complain that people don’t read them. My question is—are you writing something that people feel the need to read?” he said, encouraging authors to write on subjects like flora, fauna, environment and local knowledge. (KNO)
