Kabindra Purkayastha Posthumously Awarded Padma Shri

Kabindra Purkayastha, a prominent BJP leader and former Union Minister, was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri at a ceremony in New Delhi. His son, Kanad Purkayastha, accepted the honor on his behalf, expressing deep pride and a sense of loss. The award recognizes Purkayastha's significant contributions to public service and his political legacy in Assam. Family members reflected on the emotional significance of the occasion, highlighting the lasting impact of his work. The ceremony also honored other notable recipients from Assam, showcasing the state's rich political heritage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2026, 21:26 IST

Emotional Tribute to a Political Legacy

MP Kanad Purkayastha receiving the award on behalf of his father from President Murmu, on Tuesday. (AT Photo)

Silchar, June 23: Kabindra Purkayastha, a distinguished former Union Minister and senior BJP figure, was honored posthumously with the Padma Shri during the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The prestigious award, one of India's highest civilian accolades, was presented by President Droupadi Murmu and accepted by his son, Kanad Purkayastha, who serves as a Rajya Sabha MP.

Kanad described the moment as profoundly emotional, stating that receiving this honor on behalf of his late father filled him with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of loss.

“Today, receiving the Padma Shri from the President of India was one of the most emotional moments of my life. Accepting this esteemed award for my beloved late father filled my heart with pride, gratitude, and an indescribable longing,” he expressed.

He reflected on the bittersweet nature of the recognition, noting that while it brought immense pride, it also highlighted the absence of the honoree.

“I felt my father's absence more than ever today. I wish he could have been here to witness this historic moment, to see the nation honor a lifetime dedicated to public service and the welfare of the people,” he added.

Manjusha, Purkayastha's granddaughter, also shared her sentiments regarding the recognition of her grandfather's contributions.

“This is a moment filled with pride and emotion for our family. We are incredibly thankful that my grandfather's lifelong efforts have been acknowledged with the Padma Shri, yet we sincerely wish he could have been present to receive this honor himself. His legacy continues to inspire us, and this recognition reaffirms the lasting impact of his work on society,” she stated.

Born on December 15, 1931, in Kamarkhal, Sylhet, Purkayastha's political career was influenced by the tumult of Partition. He joined the RSS in 1950 and became a key figure in establishing the Jana Sangh and later the BJP in Assam and the Northeast.

A notable political leader from Barak Valley, Purkayastha was elected to the Lok Sabha from Silchar in 1991, 1998, and 2009. His first parliamentary win was pivotal for the BJP in Assam, as the party secured two Lok Sabha seats and nine Assembly constituencies in the state.

In 1998, he was appointed as Minister of State for Communications in the government led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya remarked that the posthumous Padma Shri is a source of pride for both Barak Valley and Assam.

“We have witnessed firsthand his dedication in challenging circumstances. His life serves as a lesson in commitment to society, the party, and the nation,” Suklabaidya noted.

Other Padma awardees from Assam included Haricharan Saikia, Jogesh Deuri, Nuruddin Ahmed, and Pokhila Lekthepi.

The President conferred a total of 65 Padma Awards, which included two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri honors.