Jammu and Kashmir continues to make waves on the national stage as two exceptional teachers and a para-archer bring glory to the region. While educators Rehana Kaunsar and Javed Ahmad Banday have been recognized for their innovative leadership in schools, International Para Archer Rakesh Kumar is set to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award for his remarkable contributions to sports. Here’s a detailed look at their inspiring achievements.
Rakesh Kumar: An Inspirational Journey to the Arjuna Award
A Decade of Dedication and Triumph
After eight years of unwavering dedication, Jammu and Kashmir’s International Para Archer, Rakesh Kumar, will be honored with the Arjuna Award. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) recently announced the recipients of the 2024 National Sports Awards, and Rakesh will receive this prestigious honor from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17.
Born on January 13, 1985, in Katra, Jammu, Rakesh Kumar has established himself as a formidable force in para-archery. Competing in the Men’s Individual Compound Open, he qualified to represent India at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, marking his second Olympic appearance. His stellar performance at the event earned him a bronze medal, further solidifying his legacy in Indian sports.
Training and Support
Rakesh’s journey began at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s Sports Complex, where he honed his skills under the guidance of dedicated coaches. His success is a testament to the unwavering support provided by the Shrine Board, including its Chairman, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and CEO Anshul Garg.
Expressing his pride, Rakesh shared, “It’s a dream come true for me. This achievement is the result of eight years of relentless hard work and winning national and international medals for India. I owe this success to my coaches and the management of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.”
Recognition and Future Goals
Notably, Rakesh’s teammate, Sheetal, received the Arjuna Award last year, further highlighting the region’s growing prominence in sports. With his achievements, Rakesh aims to inspire the next generation of para-athletes to strive for excellence on the global stage.
National Recognition for Jammu and Kashmir’s Educators
Teachers Honored for Innovative Leadership
In the field of education, two outstanding teachers from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected for the National School Leaders Award 2025, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in school governance and pedagogy.
The awardees are:
- Rehana Kaunsar, Head Teacher at Government Boys Middle School, Yarikalan, Zone Chadoora, Budgam.
- Javed Ahmad Banday, Principal of Boys Higher Secondary School, Beerwah, Kashmir.
These educators have demonstrated exemplary leadership, implementing innovative practices to improve the quality of education in their schools. Their selection highlights the dedication of Jammu and Kashmir’s teachers to fostering academic excellence.
The Award and Its Significance
The awards will be conferred during the National School Leadership Conference (NSLC), organized by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi. The event is scheduled to take place from January 8 to January 10, 2025.
Out of 55 schools across India, Rehana and Javed stood out for their innovative approaches to school management and teaching. Their recognition underscores the importance of transformative leadership in shaping the future of education.
Read also: Risheek Kumar Sharma from Samba Among 17 Receives Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
Celebrating Jammu and Kashmir’s Success Stories
The achievements of Rakesh Kumar, Rehana Kaunsar, and Javed Ahmad Banday bring pride and inspiration to Jammu and Kashmir. Their dedication to excellence in their respective fields is a testament to the talent and potential of individuals from the region.
As the Arjuna Award and National School Leaders Award ceremonies approach, the nation eagerly awaits to celebrate these extraordinary individuals who have set benchmarks in sports and education.
