Jammu, January 27
The J&K Government on Wednesday announced the State Awards for 31 people belonging to different fields, which included some government employees and people with extraordinary achievements.
An award for bravery was given to Rakesh Kumar, a head assistant in General Administration Department (GAD) in government. A cash prize of Rs 51,000, a medal and a citation will be given to him.
In the field of literature, Kashmiri writers and poets GN Aatish, Nirmal Kumar Gupta and Balraj Bakshi were given the state awards. Mipham Otsal from theatre while singers Jeevan Sharma, Mehmeet Sayed and Dhananjay Koul were given awards in the performing arts category.
Muhammad Maqbool Jan was given an award for excellence in arts and craft whereas Saba Haji, director of Haji Public School, Breswana, Doda, was given an award for social reforms and empowerment. For meritorious public service, IAS officer Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, eye specialist Dr S Natrajan and ophthalmologist Dr Tariq Qureshi were given the awards. All these will be given Rs 51,000 cash, a medal and a citation. Meanwhile, Muhammad Saleem Beg, convener, INTACH-J&K, was given the life time achievement award.
Also, awards for outstanding sportspersons were given to Surya Bhanu Pratap (Wushu), Tajamul Islam (Kickboxing), Hashim Manzoor (Karate), Abrar Khan (Cycling), Ishfaq Hussain Kand (Kayaking and canoeing), Meenal Gupta (Chess), Nipu Jamwal (Judo), Tsering Angmo, Tashi Laskit, Rigzin Dolkar and Stanzin Laskit (all mountaineering). Award for outstanding mediapersons were given to Manoj Koul of ETV, Neeraj Rohmetra, Tahir Mohiddin and Zafar Choudhary.
Sonam Wangchuk (Ice Stupa Project) was given the award for outstanding environmentalist whereas Zia Ashai, M/S Supertherm, IE Shalteng, was given the award for outstanding industrial entrepreneurship.
