Akhon Asgar Ali Basharat gets Padma Shri

KARGIL, JANUARY 26, 2022: Prominent poet and writer from Kargil district of UT Ladakh, Akhon Asgar Ali Basharat will be honored with the Padma Shri award in the field of education and literature on the 73rd Republic Day.
Basharat is a renowned author of Balti language hailing from the picturesque village of Karkitchoo in Kargil. In his more than 50 years of writing career, he has compiled and published three books. He has also authored two books.
As a compiler, he has compiled Guldasta-eNajaat, a book of Balti Masnavi and Behra Taweel; Muhzinul Bukaa collection of Bati Marsia and Noha; Raaah E Behasht, a collection of poetry of old Balti poets including some works of Persian poets as well.
Apart from compilation works, Basharat has also authored two poetry books titled Guldastae Basharat and Bazme Basharat.
Basharat has also remained associated with All India Radio, Kargil station for a long time. He is also known for his poetry on local issues.
Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The awards are given in various disciplines/fields of activities like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
`Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and `Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
This year’s list comprises four Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 107 Padma Shri Awards. 34 of the awardees are women and 13 posthumous awardees.