This petition calls for national recognition of Ram Sevak Sharma of Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, whose unwavering, selfless service in education and social work since 1966 has transformed communities across Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban. His lifetime of institution-building, character education, and social reform—largely undertaken in a conflict-affected region and away from media attention—merits the Padma Bhushan for distinguished service in education and social work.

 

For nearly six decades, Ram Sevak Sharma has devoted himself to nation-building through education, values, and community service in some of the most challenging districts of Jammu & Kashmir. Beginning his public life in 1966, he integrated vulnerable and poor sections of society—especially among Hindus—through disciplined community initiatives, mentorship, and educational outreach. He chose service over salary, consistently prioritizing students and society over personal gain.

 

In 1970, he became Bodhik Pramukh and helped run and strengthen shakhas in Kishtwar, fostering unity, discipline, and social cohesion. During the Emergency when organizations were banned, he continued to support community work and satyagraha at great personal risk—sustaining civic spirit in an already affected region. In 1980, he took responsibility for the education sector and became a crucial force in opening Vidya Mandir schools across Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban, anchoring quality learning where it was needed most.

 

In 2001, under his leadership, Sanskar Kendras were launched—free, informal centers focused on Shiksha, Seva, and Sanskar for poor and vulnerable students. These centers emphasized academic support, character building, and community service, while promoting Hindi in schools and integrating Vedic studies to inculcate patriotism, nationalism, and the idea of Bharat. Integrated later into Ekal Abhiyan, this network grew to around 300 Sanskar Kendras across Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban—bringing structured learning, ethics, and hope to remote areas under his stewardship.

 

Key contributions

 

Education ecosystem builder: Helped establish and expand Vidya Mandir schools and approximately 300 free Sanskar Kendras serving poor and vulnerable students across three districts.

 

Character and nation-building: Led Bodhik initiatives and shakhas since 1970, promoting unity, discipline, and civic ethos in communities under stress.

 

Service under adversity: Continued social work during the Emergency and through insurgency and terrorism, ensuring continuity of education and community resilience.

 

Language and culture: Advanced the use of Hindi in schools and integrated Vedic studies to strengthen ethics, cultural confidence, and a sense of Bharat.

 

Social reform and safety: Guided students and local leaders on education reforms, supported Nasha Mukti campaigns, promoted Sanatan values, and offered inputs that supported Village Defence Committees to prevent displacement.

 

Recognitions and context

 

Recipient of local Republic Day awards and citations for decades of grassroots service, institution-building, and youth mentorship.

 

Worked largely without media coverage due to the region’s circumstances, yet his impact is visible in the schools established, learning centers sustained, students guided, and communities stabilized.

 

 

Why this recognition matters

Honoring Ram Sevak Sharma with the Padma Bhushan acknowledges a lifetime given to education and social uplift in a terrorism-affected region, celebrates a replicable model of value-centric learning, and affirms the spirit of selfless national service.

 

Our request

Please sign to support conferring the Padma Bhushan on Ram Sevak Sharma for distinguished service in education and social work.