Veteran scholar, author, and cultural advocate Prof. Lalit Kumar Mangotra has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri 2025 in the field of Literature and Education. The recognition comes as a celebration of his tireless efforts to promote Dogri language and literature, as well as his contributions to higher education and scientific research.
Prof. Mangotra, known widely for his work in Dogri, has authored several acclaimed books including essays, poetry, short stories, and travelogues. His essay collection Cheten Di Galliyan won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2011. He played a pivotal role in ensuring Dogri’s inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003—a historic moment for Jammu’s cultural identity.
With a PhD in Physics, Prof. Mangotra served as Dean of Sciences, and Head of the Departments of Physics and Computer Science at the University of Jammu. He has published over 300 scientific papers, making him a rare figure who has bridged the worlds of science and literature with distinction.
He has served as:
- President of Dogri Sanstha Jammu for over 30 years
- Convenor of the Dogri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi (two terms)
- Member, Executive Board of Sahitya Akademi and Press Council of India
Prof. Mangotra’s work includes the development of bilingual Dogri-Hindi dictionaries, efforts to digitize Dogri literature, and cultural programming that has revived youth interest in regional storytelling.
Prof. Mangotra was honoured with the Padma Shri at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu, acknowledging his multifaceted service to the nation through education, language advocacy, and cultural preservation.
“Dogri is not just a language; it is the soul of our people. Preserving it is preserving our identity,” said Prof. Mangotra after receiving the award.
- Cultural Preservation: Helped Dogri survive and thrive in the face of globalization.
- Scholarship Excellence: Balanced a dual career in physics and regional literature.
- Inspirational Figure: Mentored generations of writers and students across disciplines.
Prof. Lalit Kumar Mangotra’s Padma Shri is a tribute to a life committed to knowledge, identity, and cultural pride—reminding us that regional languages and local voices are the backbone of India’s diversity.
