ITANAGAR, 26 May: Techi Gubin, a retired chief architect and social worker from Arunachal Pradesh, received the Padma Shri Award for 2026 from President Droupadi Murmu at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 25 May.
Having served as the chief architect in the Arunachal Pradesh Public Works Department and as the director of housing (additional charge), he has combined professional public service with a commitment to the preservation of indigenous heritage.
Born in November 1964, Gubin received his bachelor of architecture degree from the Chandigarh College of Architecture in 1988.
He began his career as an assistant teacher, before joining the APPWD in 1990. Over a career spanning four decades, he served in various capacities within the state government, eventually retiring as chief architect.
During his tenure, he was also deputed to the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) as a development officer from 2000 to 2005.
In addition to his professional career, Gubin has held leadership roles in several organisations in Northeast India.
From 2000, he has worked with the Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) as assistant general secretary, general secretary, vice president and president till 8 February, 2026, and is currently the vice president of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, a leading voluntary organisation working for the integrated development of janjatis (tribals) across the country.
His works with the Nyishi Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society as its president has focused on the protection of the Donyi-Polo faith and the promotion of indigenous traditions within the state.
Gubin organised and led the Seemant Darshan Yatra in 2010 and 2021, visiting remote villages bordering China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. Following these visits, he also led a team of delegations to meet the vice president of India and the union defence minister to report on the security needs of these areas, which led to the deployment of additional manpower at border posts.
Furthermore, as the state-level chairman for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra donation drive, he coordinated efforts that resulted in Arunachal Pradesh becoming the highest donor state among the seven Northeastern states.
Gubin’s work has been recognised with honours such as the ONE India Award from My Home India (2022) and the India Leader Award from the Yadam Institute of Research (2023). His engagement with cultural preservation is also reflected in his participation in regional cinema, including the film Oyaa, which was adjudged the best regional film of the year in 2009. He continues his involvement in the preservation of indigenous cultural identity.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah attended the function. (PIB)
