Kabindra Purkayastha Posthumously Awarded Padma Shri
MP Kanad Purkayastha receiving the award on behalf of his father from President Murmu, on Tuesday. (AT Photo)
Silchar, June 23: Kabindra Purkayastha, a distinguished former Union Minister and senior BJP figure, was honored posthumously with the Padma Shri during the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The prestigious award, one of India's highest civilian accolades, was presented by President Droupadi Murmu and accepted by his son, Kanad Purkayastha, who serves as a Rajya Sabha MP.
Kanad described the moment as profoundly emotional, stating that receiving this honor on behalf of his late father filled him with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of loss.
“Today, receiving the Padma Shri from the President of India was one of the most emotional moments of my life. Accepting this esteemed award for my beloved late father filled my heart with pride, gratitude, and an indescribable longing,” he expressed.
He reflected on the bittersweet nature of the recognition, noting that while it brought immense pride, it also highlighted the absence of the honoree.
“I felt my father's absence more than ever today. I wish he could have been here to witness this historic moment, to see the nation honor a lifetime dedicated to public service and the welfare of the people,” he added.
Manjusha, Purkayastha's granddaughter, also shared her sentiments regarding the recognition of her grandfather's contributions.
“This is a moment filled with pride and emotion for our family. We are incredibly thankful that my grandfather's lifelong efforts have been acknowledged with the Padma Shri, yet we sincerely wish he could have been present to receive this honor himself. His legacy continues to inspire us, and this recognition reaffirms the lasting impact of his work on society,” she stated.
Born on December 15, 1931, in Kamarkhal, Sylhet, Purkayastha's political career was influenced by the tumult of Partition. He joined the RSS in 1950 and became a key figure in establishing the Jana Sangh and later the BJP in Assam and the Northeast.
A notable political leader from Barak Valley, Purkayastha was elected to the Lok Sabha from Silchar in 1991, 1998, and 2009. His first parliamentary win was pivotal for the BJP in Assam, as the party secured two Lok Sabha seats and nine Assembly constituencies in the state.