The Uttar Pradesh government has made a significant announcement regarding the prestigious UP Gaurav Samman 2026, with plans to extend this high honor to five distinguished personalities who have brought remarkable recognition to the state. Among the notable recipients are Axiom astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey, whose achievements have resonated both nationally and internationally.
Selection Process and Committee Deliberations
A crucial decision in this regard was recently taken by a high-powered state-level screening committee chaired by Chief Secretary SP Goyal. The committee, which convened on January 12, meticulously scrutinized numerous nominations received for this esteemed award. Following extensive deliberations that carefully evaluated the achievements, public impact, and national or international standing of all nominees, the committee finalized a shortlist of five exceptional individuals.
Officials revealed that while the award typically recognizes four recipients annually, this year witnessed an expansion to five honorees due to the exceptional merit and wide-ranging contributions demonstrated by the shortlisted candidates. The formal announcement of these distinguished names is scheduled to take place during the upcoming UP Diwas celebrations this Saturday, marking a momentous occasion for the state.
Meet the Distinguished Award Recipients
Space Exploration and Education Pioneers
The selection includes two prominent figures who have captured public imagination through their groundbreaking work. Shubhanshu Shukla, an astronaut with Axiom Space, represents Uttar Pradesh's growing presence in space exploration and scientific advancement. Meanwhile, Alakh Pandey, founder of the revolutionary educational platform Physics Wallah, has transformed access to quality education for countless students across India through innovative digital learning solutions.
Literary Excellence and Social Contribution
The honor also recognizes Hariom Pawar, an accomplished poet and academician celebrated for his substantial contributions to Hindi literature. A former professor known for his socially rooted poetry and writings, Pawar has demonstrated remarkable commitment to social causes by channeling proceeds from his literary work toward supporting education for underprivileged children, creating a meaningful impact beyond the literary sphere.
Women's Education and Agricultural Innovation
Acharya Rashmi Arya has been selected for her pioneering work in value-based education through Shri Dayanand Arya Kanya Gurukul in Meerut. For twenty-five years, she has dedicated herself to advancing education for women and girls, creating an institution that skillfully blends traditional values with modern learning approaches. Her establishment not only excels academically but also provides free education to hundreds of economically disadvantaged students, breaking barriers to educational access.
The list further includes Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, an agriculture scientist being recognized for nearly three decades of dedicated work in agricultural research. As the IRRI South Asia director, he has led significant efforts in climate-resilient farming practices, food security initiatives, and international agricultural collaboration, contributing substantially to sustainable agricultural development.
Recipients' Reactions and Award Significance
The honored recipients expressed profound gratitude for being recognized by their home state while emphasizing how this acknowledgment would amplify their ongoing work. Dr. Sudhanshu Singh remarked, "The award serves as an affirmation of my work and commitment to elevate Uttar Pradesh on the global platform in the agricultural sector. This recognition will undoubtedly fortify my dedication toward advancing this crucial field."
Acharya Rashmi Arya shared heartfelt sentiments, stating, "This award speaks volumes about the courage demonstrated by all the women and girls I have worked with over the past twenty-five years—their courage in pursuing education despite challenging circumstances. I sincerely hope that this official recognition will enable me to scale up my educational initiatives and reach even more deserving students."
About UP Gaurav Samman
Instituted in 2021, the UP Gaurav Samman represents the state's highest civilian honor, specifically designed to recognize individuals who have brought national or international recognition to Uttar Pradesh through exceptional contributions across diverse fields including science, education, literature, culture, social service, sports, and public life. Awardees receive a substantial cash prize of Rs. 11 lakh along with a formal citation and commemorative memento, symbolizing the state's appreciation for their outstanding achievements.
Screening Committee Composition
The screening committee responsible for this meticulous selection process comprised distinguished officials including Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC) Deepak Kumar, along with Additional Chief Secretaries of the Culture and Home Departments, Amrit Abhijat and Sanjay Prasad respectively. This diverse committee brought together expertise from various administrative domains to ensure comprehensive evaluation of all nominations based on established criteria under the UP Gaurav Samman Rules, 2021.
