Adil Hussain Shah (pony rider) martyred in Pahalgam terror attack among awardees
Srinagar, Jan 25 :
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday announced the conferment of J&K Government Awards on the occasion of Republic Day 2026, honouring 56 distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions in various fields including bravery, literature, arts, social service, public service, sports, media and entrepreneurship.
According to Government Order No. 110-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated January 25, issued by the General Administration Department as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, sanction has been accorded for the grant of these awards, each carrying a cash prize and a citation.
Under the Award for Bravery, Adil Hussain Shah of Hapatnar, Pahalgam has been honoured posthumously with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a citation, while PSI Nikhil Kumar of Jammu has been awarded ₹51,000 and a citation for exemplary courage and service.
Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a humble horseman (pony rider), was martyred in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while protecting tourists. In the attack Adil among 26 tourists were martyred in the deadly terror attack.
In the field of Literature, noted literary figures including Yashpaul Nirmal (Dogri), Ch. Hassan Parwaz (Gojri), Parwaiz Manoos (Pahari), Fayaz Dilbar (Poet, posthumous), Kewal Krishan Sharma, and Rattan Lal Sharma have been selected for the award, each receiving ₹51,000 and a citation.
The Performing Arts category features eminent artists such as Tanya Dev Gupta, Anil Tickoo, Raman Singh Slathia, Dr Ayash Arif, Abdul Hamid Bhat, Sunil Sharma, Ajay Kumar Sharma, Sudesh K Verma, and Neeraj Verma, recognising their contribution to music, theatre and cinema.
For Excellence in Arts and Crafts, artisans including Sajjad Husain Bhat, Bhushan Kesar, Mohammad Shafi Bhat, Razia Mushtaq, and Ishfar Ali have been selected.
The Award for Social Reforms and Empowerment has been granted to Arhan Bagati (KYARI), Yumberzal Applied Research Institute, Care Foundation & Charitable Trust, and Team Red NGO, for their impactful work in social welfare.
In the Meritorious Public Service category, senior officers including Dr V S Senthil Kumar, IFS, Tariq Ganai, JKAS, Rohit Sharma, JKAS, Pooja Wazir, and Dr (Prof) Majid Jahangir have been honoured for exemplary public service.
The Lifetime Achievement Award has been conferred posthumously on Mohammad Shafi Pandit (Retd IAS).
Outstanding sportspersons including Aquib Nabi Dar, Brijesh Sharma, Rakesh Singh, Vishal Khajuria, Saleem Kumar, Ravees Ahmad, Sudipti Khanna, Mohammad Iqbal, and Aiyza Naz Chib have been selected under the Sports category.
In the Media category, journalists such as Avtar Krishan Bhat, Vivek Suri, Somil Abrol, Dinesh Manhotra, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Inayat Jahangir, Razia Noor, Sunil Ji Bhat, Ishfaq Gowhar Zargar, Syed Khalid Hussain, Sarosh Kafeel, and Neeta Sharma will be honoured.
For Outstanding Industrial Entrepreneurship, Mohammad Niyaz-ul-Kabir, Sheikh Yameen, and Sunil Singh have been selected for their contribution to industry and enterprise.
The awards aim to recognise excellence, dedication and service across sectors and highlight the diverse talent and commitment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNC)