Who is Techi Gubin, Padma Shri awardee from Arunachal
What's the story
Techi Gubin from Arunachal Pradesh has been awarded the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to social work. The award was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Republic Day. He is the sole recipient from Arunachal Pradesh among this year's 131 Padma Awardees, bringing national recognition to his state.
Community service
President of Arunachal Vikas Parishad
Gubin, a resident of Kebi Village in the Lower Subansiri district, is currently the President of Arunachal Vikas Parishad and Vice President of Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (Jaspur Camp, Itanagar). He has been actively involved in indigenous faith, cultural preservation, and social welfare initiatives. His work has made a significant impact on community development in Arunachal Pradesh.
Career impact
Gubin's professional journey
In his professional life, Gubin served the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in key architectural and housing roles. He was the Director of Housing (Additional Charge) from 2005 to 2024 and retired as chief architect on October 31, 2024. His contributions to public infrastructure and housing development have earned him respect across the state.
North East
'I have been engaged in social work since childhood'
"I have been engaged in social work since childhood. I do not work for money," he said in January on learning that he had been selected for the Padma Shri. "I will continue serving society as long as I live," he asserted. Gubin is also among 10 personalities from the North East selected for the coveted civilian honor this year. Assam tops the Northeastern states with five awardees, followed by one each from Arunachal, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
Award
Who is eligible for award
The Padma Awards are among India's highest civilian honors and are given annually in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—for excellence across various fields. All persons without distinction of their race, occupation, position, or sex are eligible for these awards. However, government servants, including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for these awards.
People's Padma
Push for 'Peoples Padma'
President Droupadi Murmu will present the Padma Awards for the year 2026 on May 25. Every year, the government has been pushing the #PeoplesPadma by highlighting the works done by these eminent personalities on social media. State-owned public radio broadcaster All India Radio News also launched a special series, 'People's Padma on Akashvani,' featuring inspiring conversations with Padma Shri awardees.