Two persons from Union Territory of Ladakh have been selected for Padma Shri Award for their exceptional and distinguished services. Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat in Literature and Education for Preservation, Conservation, and Promotion of Balti language and Tsering Namgyal for Wood Crafting in monasteries selected for this year Padma Shri Awards.<br />'' <br />'' AIR correspondent reports that A well-known writer from Karkitchoo village of Kargil, Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat has been working in preservation and promotion of Balti language and culture. Asgar Ali Basharat authored  Guldastae Basharat, Bazme Basharat, and Wasilae Najad books. Asgar Ali Basharat started his literary journey by collecting and writing old Naats, Marsiyas, Qasidas, Bhare Taweel, and Nohas in Balti language from 1970s. He also contributed to several talks, programmes, and radio dramas for All India Radio and Doordarshan. He has also presented papers, poems and short stories in seminars and programmes of J&K Academy of Art Culture and Language.<br />'' <br />''Under his supervision, the basic Books of Balti language were compiled for NCERT and are used in learning Balti Language. Similarly, Tsering Namgyal of a remote village Hinju, Wanla in Leh is also being selected for Padma award.  He grew up helping his parents in agriculture. However, he got inspired by a local woodcarver Ajang Tsering in Wanla, and started assisting him. While helping,  Tsering Namgyal developed a keen interest in wood carving and mastered the art. During the 33rd Kalachakra teachings in 2014 and in other occasions, Tsering Namgyal designed and executed the throne for HH the 14th Dalai Lama. He also executed Jugskhang, Statue, and scripture cases, in Thiksay Monastery, Shey Naro Photang, and in more than 25 other monasteries across Ladakh region. Tsering Namgyal was also national Handicrafts Merit Award winner in 2007.