Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: On the eve of marking 45 years of the Art of Living Foundation and 70th birth anniversary of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a celebration of selfless service was held here today, wherein remarkable individuals were honoured through the first edition of the Unsung Everyday Heroes Awards 2026 (Jammu & Ladakh Division).
The initiative recognises those who have been silently transforming lives without seeking the spotlight. The awardees—true changemakers from diverse walks of life—were the central inspiration of the event.
In the Business & Philanthropy (Jammu & Kashmir) category, honours were conferred upon Pt Narayan Prasad (Kathak Maestro, Jammu); The Blessings, a humanitarian initiative providing hearse support services to the poor and needy (Jammu), led by Rajinder Singh Sudan along with esteemed members Kesar Salalia, Jasbir Singh, Jaspal Singh, Madan Lal Bali, Pawan Kumar Bhagat, K K Sharma, Baldev Chadgal, Sunil Kumar Dutt, and driver Gagandeep Singh; Sunita Pandita (Animal Welfare, Jammu); Mansa Ram (Rural Seva, Kathua); Geetanjali (Women Empowerment, Samba); Neeraj Kant Sharma (Theatre Excellence, Udhampur); Dr Sohail Goni (Healthcare Service, Doda); and Kanwal Peshin (Cultural Activism, Budgam).
In the Ladakh category, Imamiya Mission School (Rural Education, Leh) and Roots Ladakh (Sustainable Tourism, Kargil) were recognised for their impactful contributions.
In the Sports category, Rajesh Virdhy (Sports Excellence, Jammu), Arshi Nad (Sports Excellence, Jammu), and Jigmet Chuzen (Sports Excellence, Leh) were honoured for their achievements.
In the Youth category, Harman Kour (Youth Leadership, Udhampur), Khalid Bashir (Community Service, Doda), and Zabir Ahmed (Youth Empowerment, Rajouri) were recognised for their inspiring efforts.
The ceremony was graced by Shantmanu, State Election Commissioner (CEC), Jammu & Kashmir, and Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA, Chenani–Ghordi, as the guests of honour.
Welcome address was presented by Shakti Sagar, Senior Art of Living Teacher and District Coordinator Jammu (DTC Jammu). The Jury Members were; Prof Pankaj K Srivastava, Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education, University of Jammu; Dr Sulakshna Mengi; Roma Wani (State Apex Member – Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh); and Prof Rajan Salalia (Senior AOL Faculty & State Coordinator – STC, Art of Living Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh).
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