Honour of Ashoka Award 2026: Titans of Judiciary, Bureaucracy and Cinema Honoured
The Honour of Ashoka Award 2026 recognised leaders from the judiciary, bureaucracy, and entertainment at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
The India Habitat Centre in New Delhi became a hub of excellence as it hosted the Honour of Ashoka Award 2026. Organised by the Charles Walters Council for Innovation and Research (CWCIR) in partnership with the Association of Indian Bureaucrats, the ceremony served as a grand tribute to individuals who have left an indelible mark on society through their leadership, professional brilliance, and unwavering public service.
The event was a rare confluence of power and creativity, bringing together top-tier personalities from the judiciary, diplomacy, public administration, and the vibrant world of arts and entertainment.
A Gathering of Legal and Administrative Luminaries
The prestige of the evening was elevated by the presence of some of India's most distinguished legal and administrative minds. Among the eminent dignitaries attending the ceremony were:
- Justice G. K. Balakrishnan, former Chief Justice of India.
- Justice Rajesh Tandon, former Judge of the High Court of Uttarakhand.
- Justice Mahindra Mohan Shrivastava, former Chief Justice of the High Courts of Rajasthan and Madras.
- Ambassador Dr V. B. Soni, IFS, former Secretary to the Government of India.
- Dr Anju Rathi Rana, who holds the distinction of being India's first woman Law Secretary.
- Yashovardhan Jha Azad, former Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs.
- C. B. Tiwari, a senior officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Celebrating Administrative Leadership
A significant portion of the awards focused on those who have steered the machinery of the state with dedication. The category for bureaucracy and public administration recognised individuals who have championed public welfare and institutional responsibility. The awardees included:
- R. P. Meena, IPS and M. N. Sharma, PCS.
- Dr Geeta Khanna, Chairperson of the child rights protection body, Government of Uttarakhand.
- Dr Sanjay Kannoje, IAS and Rakesh Chaturvedi, IFS (Retd.).
- Shri Rakesh Singh, IRTS and Sanjeev Tiwari, Additional Director, Directorate of Public Relations, Chhattisgarh.
- Mrs Anca Verma, Ambassador to the United Nations.
Spotlight on Creative Excellence
Recognising that cultural expression is vital to social progress, the Honour of Ashoka Award 2026 also extended its accolades to the entertainment industry. From the silver screen to the music studio, a diverse array of creative professionals were honoured for their influence on Indian culture.
The list of awardees from the film, television, music, and modelling sectors featured renowned names such as:
- Actors Tanushree Dutta, Tridha Choudhury, Tina Datta, Nandita Swetha, and Puja Sharma.
- Shashi Sharma, Akshara Gowda Bikki, Lucky Bisht, Nidhi Uttam, and Gurket Kaur.
- Music director Mohit Pathak.
- Ariah Agarwal, Roma Arora, Rasha Kirmani, Megha Gupta, and Garimah Parihar.
- International anchor and model Prateeka Sood.
A Vision for Excellence
The event was meticulously coordinated by Abhishek Pandey, Director of the Charles Walters Council for Innovation and Research, who served as the Convenor, and Shivani Sharma, Founder of the Shivani Sharma Foundation, who acted as the Co-Convenor.
By bridging the gap between the rigid structures of public administration and the fluid world of the arts, the CWCIR aimed to create a common platform where merit is celebrated regardless of the field. The organisers envisioned this initiative not just as an award ceremony, but as a source of inspiration for emerging professionals to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to the nation's institutional and cultural development.