The Central government has announced the names of Padma Shri awardees for the year 2026. Among 113 names is Khem Raj Sundriyal, who promotedthe Panipat handloom to the global stage.
Originally from Somadi village in Uttarakhand's Garhwal, Khem Raj began his career as a khadi worker in Panipat. He joined 3 years diploma course in weaving and dyeing from Srinagar Garhwal in the year 1962 and completed the course in the year 1964.
He used to make samples of Panipat's handloom products and send them abroad, which were approved. During his lifetime, he trained thousands of people to operate the khadi and create exquisite handloom samples.
Besides handloom weaving, he also mastered the craft of tapestry weaving, Lame Shade (with thread) and maerame knottina.
He had started a cooperative society named Vishnu Handloom Co-operation Society in Panipat for the production and sale of handloom products by the weavers. He demonstrated the Panipat handloom weaving technique in Spain in 1988. He has also served as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Textiles.
113 people to get Padma Awards
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its official press release, announced the names of 131 individuals for Padma awards for the year 2026.
This includes, 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.