Renowned writer Hugh Gantzer, who along with his late wife Colleen Gantzer was honoured with the Padma Shri this year, was presented the award at his home in Mussoorie due to health concerns.
Since Hugh was unable to travel to Delhi for the official ceremony, Uttarakhand Government Secretary Shailesh Bagoli personally visited his residence to hand over the award, as per an official statement.
Colleen Gantzer was given the award posthumously.
The statement highlighted the couple’s remarkable contribution to Indian travel writing, noting, “Active in travel writing since the 1950s, this couple presented India's cultural diversity, historical sites and public life in a unique way.”
Their popular column The Gantzers' Travelogue and travel shows on Doordarshan introduced audiences across the nation to the beauty and depth of India.
“Hugh's sharp journalistic vision and Colleen's gentle expression style together gave a new height to Indian travel literature. Their writings not only inspired people to discover their country, but also put the soul of India into words,” the statement further stated.
Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The Padma Shri is awarded for distinguished service in various fields such as art, education, literature, public service, science, and more.
Announced every year on Republic Day, the 2025 list includes 139 Padma Awardees: 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri. Among them are 23 women, 10 recipients from the NRI/Foreigner category, and 13 posthumous awardees.
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