ITANAGAR : Retired chief architect and social worker Techi Gubin from Arunachal Pradesh will be honoured with the Padma Shri Award 2026 in recognition of his contributions to public service, indigenous cultural preservation and social welfare activities.
Born on November 1, 1964, Gubin completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chandigarh College of Architecture in 1988. He began his professional career as an assistant teacher before joining the Arunachal Pradesh Public Works Department (APPWD) in 1990.
Over a career spanning nearly four decades, he served in various capacities in the state government and eventually retired as the chief architect of APPWD. He also held additional charge as director of housing and served as a development officer with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) on deputation from 2000 to 2005.
Apart from his government service, Gubin has remained actively associated with several socio-cultural organisations in the Northeast. He served the Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) in various capacities, including assistant general secretary, general secretary, vice president and president till February 8, 2026.
He is currently serving as vice president of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, a voluntary organisation engaged in the integrated development of tribal communities across the country.
Gubin also played an active role in the Nyishi Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society, focusing on the preservation of the Donyi-Polo faith and promotion of indigenous traditions in Arunachal Pradesh.
In 2010 and 2021, he organised and led the Seemant Darshan Yatra to remote border villages along China, Myanmar and Bhutan. Following the visits, delegations led by him met the Vice President of India and the Union Defence Minister in New Delhi to highlight security concerns in the border areas, which reportedly resulted in the deployment of additional manpower at border posts.
As state-level chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra donation drive, Gubin coordinated campaigns that helped Arunachal Pradesh emerge as the highest donor state among the seven northeastern states.
His contributions have earned him several recognitions, including the O.N.E India Award by My Home India in 2022 and the India Leader Award by the Yadam Institute of Research in 2023.
Gubin has also been associated with regional cinema and featured in the film Oyaa, which was adjudged the Best Regional Film in 2009. He continues to work towards the preservation of indigenous cultural identity and heritage in the state.
