President Droupadi Murmu Honors Prof. Lalit Kumar Mangotra with Padma Shri for Contributions to Dogri Literature

New Delhi, May 27, 2025: In a prestigious ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Shri award in the field of Literature and Education upon Prof. Lalit Kumar Mangotra, an eminent Dogri writer and former professor of Physics from Jammu and Kashmir. The accolade recognizes his remarkable contributions to the promotion and development of the Dogri language and literature over the past five decades.

Prof. Mangotra, a prolific writer since publishing his first Dogri short story in 1976, has enriched the literary landscape with works spanning diverse genres. His contributions have been instrumental in elevating the status of Dogri, a language native to the Jammu region. Many of his books are prescribed for postgraduate courses in Dogri, reflecting their high literary value and cultural significance.

As the President of Dogri Sanstha, the oldest and premier literary organization dedicated to Dogri for the last 30 years, Prof. Mangotra has been a steadfast advocate for the language’s growth and preservation. His work has not only inspired generations of writers but also fostered a deeper appreciation for Dogri literature across India.

The Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, was presented during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar. Prof. Mangotra was among 68 distinguished personalities honored for their exceptional contributions across various fields.

In a statement shared on X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan highlighted Prof. Mangotra’s journey, noting, “President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri in the field of Literature and Education to Prof. Lalit Kumar Mangotra. Prof. Mangotra, a former professor of Physics, is an eminent Dogri writer.”

The conferment of the Padma Shri on Prof. Mangotra has been widely celebrated, with posts on X reflecting pride in his achievements. One user remarked, “Congratulations, Dr. Lalit Kumar Mangotra, scientist and noted Dogri writer, for being honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award. Jai Duggar, Jai Hind!”

This recognition highlights Prof. Mangotra’s enduring legacy in Indian literature and his pivotal role in championing the Dogri language.