It was an afternoon steeped in dignity and pride at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, where the spirit of public service took centre stage. The air was filled with purpose as India’s most respected administrators, jurists, and defence veterans gathered for the Honour of Ashoka Award 2025.
Organised by the Charles Walters Council for Innovation & Research (CWSIR) under the leadership of Abhishek Pandey, the ceremony paid tribute to those who have upheld the ideals of ethical governance and national responsibility.
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Presiding over the occasion as chief guest Kalraj Mishra, former cabinet minister and governor of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, applauded the initiative calling it “a meaningful step towards honouring ethical governance inspired by Emperor Ashoka.”
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Justice Vijender Jain, former Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, chaired the ceremony reminding the audience that “the strength of the Indian Republic lies in the integrity of its officers.”
Among the guests were Shri Saurabh Tiwari, Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, and Lt Gen SK Saini, former Vice Chief of the Indian Army.
Special guest Dr. Abhishek Verma, noted industrialist and National Coordinator of Shiv Sena, praised the award’s transparent and merit-based process calling it “a rare platform that honours excellence without bias.”
The gathering also featured an eminent jury of judges and defence veterans. Justice Rajesh Tandon, Justice SN Srivastava, and Justice Jainendra Kumar Ranka joined hands with senior military officers including Air Marshal Anil Chopra, Air Marshal G.S. Bedi, Air Marshal Ravi Gopal Krishna Kapoor, and Lt Gen Karanbir Singh Brar. The presence of Maj Gen GD Bakshi, one of India’s most well-known defence experts, added a touch of patriotic fervour.
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The Honour of Ashoka Award 2025 recognised an extraordinary lineup of achievers who have each contributed to India’s governance, defence and justice systems.
Among them were Ambassador Dr. VB Soni (IFS Retd), Seema Raj (IRS), Ashish Kumar Singh (IAS Retd), Mukesh Kumar Meshram (IAS), Lt Gen KK Aggarwal (Retd), Dr. G Shreekumar Menon (IRS Retd), Dr. Vijay Zade (IAS), and Sudhir Krishna (IAS Retd).
Also honoured were Prof. SN Sridhara, Vice Chancellor of Adichunchanagiri University; Justice PK Saxena, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Delhi; Dr. GK Goswami (IPS), ADG, Uttar Pradesh Police; Maj Gen PK Sehgal (Retd), defence commentator; and Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, VSM (Retd), former DG of the Border Roads Organisation.
International recognition too found a place, with Dr. Nischita, Honourary Consul of the Republic of Costa Rica, and Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles to India, being felicitated for their contributions to diplomacy.
Abhishek Pandey, Founder Director of CWSIR and Convenor of the Honour of Ashoka Award, described it perfectly: “This award celebrates not just administrative brilliance but the moral courage that sustains democracy. It is a salute to those who continue to serve Bharat with ethical conviction and selfless dedication.”
Over the years, the Honour of Ashoka Award has evolved into one of the country’s most respected recognitions for civil and defence excellence.
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