New Delhi: In a glittering ceremony held today at India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, Reyaz Ahmad Ganai, a dedicated government school teacher from Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, was conferred the Dr. BML Munjal Social Impact Award 2024-25 in the Outstanding Teacher category.
Ganai, who teaches at Government Middle School Sheeri Payeen, Zone Fatehgarh Baramulla, became the first government school teacher from the Union Territory to receive this national honour.
The prestigious award, instituted by the Raman Kant Munjal Foundation in collaboration with Hero Future Energies, recognizes individuals making transformative contributions in education, sustainability, and community development. Ganai was presented with a memento and a cash prize in the presence of eminent personalities from the corporate and social sectors.
The Dr. BML Munjal Social Impact Awards were established to honour the legacy of the late industrialist and philanthropist Dr. BML Munjal, who believed in the principle of “wealth with responsibility.” The awards celebrate individuals and organizations driving meaningful change at the grassroots level, particularly in marginalised communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rahul the Munjal family said, “These awards are a tribute to Dr. Munjal’s vision of giving back to society. By recognizing unsung heroes like Reyaz Ahmad Ganai, we hope to inspire more individuals to contribute to nation-building.”
Reyaz Ahmad Ganai’s innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to his students in a remote village Sheeri of Baramulla earned him this distinction. Among 10 awardees across various categories, his work stood out for its impact on rural education.
“This award is not just mine—it belongs to my students, my school, and every teacher working tirelessly in government schools and department of Education as whole,” said an emotional Ganai after receiving the honour. “It reaffirms my belief that education is the most powerful tool for social transformation.”
Reyaz Ahmad Ganai has distinguished himself as an exceptional educator by fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among his students at Government Middle School Sheeri Payeen.
Under his mentorship, five students have won prestigious INSPIRE awards, with several projects progressing to district, state, and national-level competitions. His most notable achievement includes guiding Shahida Bano, who represented Jammu & Kashmir in the SAKURA Science Exchange Program in Japan—a historic first for the region.
Ganai’s dedication also helped Shahida win the INSPIRE National Award, emerge victorious in Colors TV’s Invent India Challenge with a ₹10 lakh prize, and showcase her innovations at National Technology Week 2023.
Beyond individual successes, his teaching methods have ignited a passion for science, improved academic performance, and inspired students to pursue ambitious careers. Ganai’s transformative impact extends beyond the classroom, proving that dedicated educators can shape future leaders even in remote areas.
Teachers like Reyaz prove that dedication and passion can transform lives. His recognition is a proud moment for J&K and the entire teaching community,” said a member of the awards jury.
Congratulations poured in from across Jammu and Kashmir UT as Reyaz Ahmad Gana’s achievement highlights the crucial role of educators in nation-building.
The Dr. BML Munjal Social Impact Awards 2024-25 honored changemakers across 12 categories, including Outstanding Teacher (ASHA Centre) for RKMF/RMVM educators, Outstanding Alumni (Raman Munjal Vidya Mandir & ASHA Centre), and Outstanding Volunteers (RKMF & Dhancharcha). The awards also recognized Leadership in Education Promotion, Women Empowerment (both institutional and volunteer efforts), and sustainability-focused categories like Water Conservation and Biodiversity Protection.
Among the winners, Reyaz Ahmad Ganai stood out as the first J&K government school teacher to receive the Outstanding Teacher award for mentoring INSPIRE awardees and guiding a student to represent India in Japan’s SAKURA Science Program. These categories collectively celebrate Dr. BML Munjal’s vision of holistic social development through education, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
Each category reflects Dr. BML Munjal’s vision of comprehensive social development, honoring grassroots changemakers who are transforming communities through education, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
