Jammu, Jan 25: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has accorded sanction for the conferment of J&K Government Awards on the occasion of Republic Day–2026, recognising individuals and organisations for exceptional contributions across diverse fields including bravery, literature, arts, social reform, public service, sports, media and entrepreneurship.

As per an official order issued by the General Administration Department, the awards aim to honour excellence, dedication and service to society, with each awardee receiving a cash prize, citation and official recognition.
Bravery
In recognition of exceptional courage, Adil Hussain Shah of Hapatnar, Pahalgam, has been awarded posthumously with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and citation. Nikhil Kumar, PSI, from Jammu, has also been honoured for bravery with a cash award of ₹51,000 and citation.
Literature
Prominent litterateurs including Yashpaul Nirmal (Dogri), Ch. Hassan Parwaz (Gojri), Parwaiz Manoos (Pahari), Fayaz Dilbar (posthumously), Kewal Krishan Sharma, and Rattan Lal Sharma have been recognised for enriching regional languages and literature.
Performing Arts
Awards in this category have been conferred on noted artists such as singer Tanya Dev Gupta, actor Anil Tickoo, Dr Ayash Arif, Rabab artist Abdul Hamid Bhat, Dogri folk singer Raman Singh Slathia, music director Sunil Sharma, theatre personality Ajay Kumar Sharma, producer Sudesh K. Verma, and tabla artist Neeraj Verma.
Arts & Crafts
Renowned artisans including Sajjad Hussain Bhat (Sozni), Mohammad Shafi Bhat (Kani), Razia Mushtaq, Bhushan Kesar, and Ishfar Ali have been honoured for preserving and promoting traditional crafts.
Social Reforms & Empowerment
The awardees include Arhan Bagati, founder of KYARI, Home for the Aged & Infirm, Mehjabeen Nabi of Care Foundation, and Saadat Nasir Wani Sogami of Team Red NGO for impactful social initiatives.
Meritorious Public Service
Senior officers including Dr V.S. Senthil Kumar (IFS), Tariq Ganai (JKAS), Rohit Sharma (JKAS), Pooja Wazir, and Dr Majid Jahangir have been recognised for exemplary public service.
Lifetime Achievement
The Lifetime Achievement Award has been conferred posthumously on Mohammad Shafi Pandit (Retd IAS) for his distinguished career and service.
Sports
Outstanding sportspersons including cricketers Aquib Nabi Dar and Brijesh Sharma, judokas Rakesh Singh and Vishal Khajuria, Saleem Kumar (Wushu), Ravees Ahmad (Pencak Silat), gymnast Sudipti Khanna, coach Mohammad Iqbal, and skater Aiyza Naz Chib have been honoured.
Media
Veteran and working 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 received awards for outstanding journalism.
Industrial Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs Mohammad Niyaz-ul-Kabir (GR8 Sports), Sheikh Yameen, and progressive walnut grower Sunil Singh have been recognised for innovation and enterprise.
The awards have been approved by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and issued under the signature of Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, M. Raju (IAS). The formal presentation will take place during Republic Day celebrations, honouring individuals who have significantly contributed to the progress and pride of Jammu and Kashmir.