Eminent writer, poet, and academic Shri Raghuveer Choudhary from Gujarat has been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Literature and Education. The honor adds to an illustrious list of accolades earned by the literary stalwart over a career spanning more than six decades.
Shri Choudhary is one of Gujarat’s most revered authors, best known for his mastery of both fiction and criticism. His notable works include the celebrated novel Amrita, the Uparvas trilogy, and Rudramahalaya, among others. He has published over 80 works, ranging from novels and plays to poetry and essays, influencing generations of Gujarati readers and writers.
Choudhary was previously honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977, the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1975, and the Jnanpith Award in 2015—the highest literary honour in India. As an academic, he served as Head of the Department of Hindi at Gujarat University, where he mentored numerous scholars and literary talents.
Beyond writing, Shri Choudhary is known for his Gandhian philosophy, which deeply informs his literature and life. He actively participated in socio-political movements like the Navnirman Andolan and voiced his concerns during India’s Emergency era, earning respect as a thinker with moral clarity.
Speaking after the announcement, Choudhary said, “This award is not just a personal honor—it reflects the enduring power of language and literature to shape society and nurture values.”
The Padma Shri awarded to Shri Raghuveer Choudhary is a tribute to a life devoted to words, wisdom, and the cultural fabric of Gujarat.
