Among the greatest contributors to medical science from Jammu and Kashmir is pioneering gastroenterologist Dr Mohammad Sultan Khuroo, whose research reshaped global understanding regarding liver diseases. It was he who discovered the Hepatitis E virus during an epidemic in Kashmir, identifying its mode of transmission and preventive measures. His discovery saved millions of lives and earned worldwide recognition. With over two hundred scientific papers and decades of service, Dr Khuroo is among the most respected medical researchers India has ever produced-a symbol of intellect and dedication from the Valley.

The region has also produced other brilliant scientists whose work has gained national recognition. Dr R. N. K. Bamezai, a front-ranking geneticist from Srinagar, was awarded the Padma Shri for his pioneering work on human genetics and bioinformatics. His research on gene expression and disease helped establish the basis for genomic research in the country. In the area of education, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo from Srinagar, who was the vice-chancellor of the University of Jammu and an adviser on higher education, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009. His work has helped restructure policies on education and facilitated dialogue between cultures through learning.
This land has also found its champions in the field of innovation and engineering. Sonam Wangchuk, from Ladakh, although from this mountainous region, has emerged as a beacon for sustainable technology and education reform. His construction of the ice stupa, to preserve water, and his alternative model for school education earned him national and international accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award. He showed how traditional knowledge coupled with modern science can overcome the peculiar challenges of mountain life. In fact, the engineers and planners from Jammu and Kashmir have silently contributed toward India's infrastructure and rural development-proving that technical excellence is not restricted to metropolitan cities.
Social service has seen some of the most inspiring personalities from Jammu and Kashmir. Javid Ahmad Tak, from Anantnag, was left paraplegic after a militant attack but transformed his life into one of compassion. He founded the Humanity Welfare Organisation Helpline to educate and empower specially abled children. His tireless service earned him a Padma Shri in 2020. His story is one of courage and hope, reminding everyone that disability cannot defeat determination. Another remarkable personality is Jawahar Lal Kaul, the founder of the All-India Confederation of the Blind, who received the Padma Shri in 2014 for his lifelong work in improving the lives of visually impaired people throughout the nation.
Public life and governance have also seen exceptional achievers. Muzaffar Hussain Baig, a veteran political leader and legal scholar, was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2020 for his contribution to public affairs and his endeavours to inspire democratic values in Jammu and Kashmir. His career reflects a blend of intellect, integrity, and a deep understanding of constitutional principles. Another respected name is Vishwamurti Shastri, a Sanskrit scholar from Udhampur, who received the Padma Shri in 2022 for decades of work preserving classical language and philosophy. His efforts have kept alive the ancient learning traditions that form an integral part of Indian identity.
The artists and craftsmen of Jammu and Kashmir continue to keep the region's cultural heartbeat alive. Farooq Ahmad Mir, a master Kani shawl weaver from Srinagar, was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2025 for preserving one of Kashmir's oldest and most exquisite textile crafts. Through his skill and patience, he has carried forward a tradition that links modern Kashmir to its centuries-old artistry. Others, like Ghulam Nabi Dar in papier-mâché and Bashir Ahmad Bhat in wood carving, have received national honours for keeping the creative spirit of the Valley alive despite modern challenges. It is not just livelihood, but the memory of a civilization expressed through colour, pattern, and touch.
A new wave of pride in sports has engulfed Jammu and Kashmir. Parvez Rasool, the first Kashmiri to represent India in international cricket, shattered stereotypes and opened up new avenues for young athletes from the region. A story of his rise from a small town called Bijbehara to the Indian team inspires every sports enthusiast in the Valley. Chain Singh, a rifle shooter from Doda, won medals in Asian and Commonwealth Games and was conferred with the Arjuna Award. Wushu coach Kuldeep Handoo from Jammu, who trained several world-class martial artists, was given the Dronacharya Award for his contribution to Indian sports. Their achievements have placed Jammu and Kashmir firmly on the country's sporting map and encouraged scores of youths to follow their path of discipline and excellence. The contribution of writers and poets from this land cannot be overlooked. Rehman Rahi, recipient of both the Padma Shri and Sahitya Akademi Award, is considered the father of modern Kashmiri poetry. His verses carry the soul of the Valley-its beauty and pain and its humanity-in a language that touches every heart.
From Jammu, Padma Sachdev, awarded the Padma Shri, became the first modern woman poet to begin writing in Dogri and gave voice to the women and culture of the region. Their works remind us that literature has the power to preserve identity and heal divisions. Each one of them represents one aspect of the same spirit-a spirit of endurance, creativity, and hope. They come from different faiths, languages, and regions, yet their commitment to excellence binds them together. Their recognition by the nation through awards such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Arjuna Award, among others, is a pointer not only to their individual brilliance but also to the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmir. These sons and daughters of the soil have shown that greatness can emerge from any corner, courage can grow even in uncertainty, and service to humanity is the truest path to honour.
The story of Jammu and Kashmir's achievers is, above all, a story of light overcoming limitation. Whether in the quiet laboratories of scientists, the busy clinics of doctors, the workshops of artisans, or the playing fields of athletes, the same determination runs through every success. They have turned challenges into stepping stones, carrying the message of peace, progress, and pride from the mountains to the nation. Their legacy continues to inspire a new generation of Kashmiris to dream beyond boundaries and work for a brighter, united India.

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