On Republic Day 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir Government honoured 56 individuals and institutions with prestigious state awards for their exceptional service. Among them, Arhan Bagati stood out by becoming the youngest awardee at just 26 years old, marking a proud moment for youth-led change in the region.
Arhan Bagati received the Jammu & Kashmir Government Award for Social Reforms & Empowerment in recognition of his impactful work in youth leadership, inclusive development, social reform, and public welfare. His efforts have focused on empowering young people, strengthening community participation, and promoting long-term positive change across Jammu and Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He is the Founder of KYARI (Kashmir’s Yumberzal Applied Research Institute), a grassroots organisation known for working closely with communities. Through KYARI, Arhan has led initiatives that support young voices, encourage civic engagement, and build practical solutions for social challenges in the region.
Beyond social reform, Arhan Bagati is widely respected for his contributions to Indian para-sports. He made history as India’s first and the world’s youngest Deputy Chef de Mission for the Indian contingent at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. His role helped strengthen athlete support systems and brought greater attention to the Paralympic movement in India.
Reacting to the honour, Arhan said that the award sends a strong message to young people who are often told to wait before taking leadership roles. He highlighted that age should never be a barrier when dedication, purpose, and real impact are present.
The achievement has been widely welcomed by the Paralympic Committee of India and reported by leading media outlets, including Greater Kashmir, which described it as a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir and an inspiration for youth across the country.
Arhan Bagati’s recognition on Republic Day 2026 reflects the growing importance of young leadership in shaping society. His journey shows how commitment to service, inclusion, and reform can create meaningful change—locally and nationally.
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