VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, Aug 26: In a moment of pride for Ladakh, the Global Excellence Forum conferred the prestigious Bharat Samman 2025 Award on Syed Abbas Rizvi, former Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil. Rizvi, who has earned recognition for his tireless work as a social activist, was felicitated during a glittering award ceremony held at the iconic Le Méridien, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
The event was graced by several eminent personalities who collectively acknowledged Rizvi’s remarkable journey of service. The award was formally presented to him by a distinguished panel that included Dr. Sandeep Marwah, acclaimed Indian film producer, director, and Global Chairman of the Board Advisor Committee of the Global Excellence Forum; Dr. Alo Libang, senior MLA, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and former Cabinet Minister; and Dr. Ravindra Narayan Behera, a sitting Member of Parliament.
While bestowing the honour, the dignitaries lauded Rizvi’s unwavering commitment to community welfare and grassroots empowerment. They highlighted his consistent efforts in addressing the concerns of underprivileged sections, promoting educational opportunities, and working towards social justice in Ladakh. His dedication, they noted, has set “a profound benchmark of selfless service” that others can emulate.
Expressing gratitude, Syed Abbas Rizvi said: “I am humbled to receive this honour. This recognition inspires me to continue working with greater dedication for the betterment of society.” His words were met with applause from the audience, many of whom described the award as a fitting tribute to his years of persistent and impactful social work.
Over the past two decades, Rizvi has been at the forefront of several social initiatives in Kargil, focusing on education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. He played a pivotal role in establishing scholarship programs for students from economically weaker backgrounds, enabling hundreds of young boys and girls to pursue higher education in reputed institutions across the country.
As a former Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Rizvi worked extensively on improving healthcare accessibility in remote villages. He actively campaigned for better medical infrastructure and mobile health units to reach snowbound areas during harsh winters, ensuring timely treatment for marginalized communities.
Rizvi has also been a strong advocate for youth engagement in constructive activities. Through various cultural and sports initiatives, he encouraged young people to channel their energies into productive avenues, thus curbing the rising challenges of unemployment and drug abuse in the region. His efforts in skill development training programs have helped many local youths secure sustainable livelihoods.
In addition to grassroots activism, Rizvi has been deeply involved in peace-building and inter-community harmony efforts. By organizing dialogue forums and awareness campaigns, he consistently promoted unity, tolerance, and collective responsibility in Ladakh’s diverse society.
The Bharat Samman Award is among the most respected recognitions instituted by the Global Excellence Forum, aimed at honouring individuals who have made exceptional contributions in diverse fields ranging from social activism and governance to arts, culture, and innovation. Rizvi’s inclusion in the 2025 awardees’ list is seen as a reflection of the increasing acknowledgment of grassroots leaders from Ladakh at national platforms.
