Unnao:Hriday Narayan Dixit, former Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, has been awarded the Padma Shri in the Literature and Education category, acknowledging his exemplary work and contribution to literature. The honour also highlights his varied achievements in politics, literature, and journalism.
After his name was announced for the Padma Shri award, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on social media. “I am a humble social and political worker with a deep commitment to Indian culture and philosophy. My sincere thanks to respected Prime Minister @narendramodi and Home Minister @AmitShah. I respect and honour all my seniors,” he wrote on X in Hindi.
Born on October 18, 1947, in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, Dixit developed an interest in Indian culture, politics, and philosophy after completing his early education. His political career has seen both highs and lows, with involvement in multiple political parties. He entered politics by winning the Purwa Assembly seat as an independent candidate and later worked with the Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and currently the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Dixit served in key posts in state government, including heading the parliamentary affairs and Panchayati Raj ministries. In the BJP, he held crucial positions, including district president in Unnao, state vice president, national executive member, chief spokesperson, and member of many committees.