YOUTH LEADERSHIP RECOGNISED: ARHAN BAGATI BECOMES YOUNGEST RECIPIENT OF J&K REPUBLIC DAY AWARD 2026

In a landmark moment for youth leadership in Jammu and Kashmir, Arhan Bagati has been honoured as the youngest recipient of the prestigious Jammu and Kashmir Republic Day Award 2026. The recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions across public policy, social reform, inclusive development, sports advocacy and grassroots institution-building, marking a new chapter in the Valley’s evolving leadership landscape.

The award, conferred during the official Republic Day celebrations, recognises individuals and institutions whose sustained efforts have made a meaningful impact on society and nation-building. Among the 56 awardees this year, Bagati’s name stood out as a symbol of youth-driven change, innovation and responsible leadership. His journey reflects the growing role of young professionals in shaping the socio-economic and cultural future of Jammu and Kashmir.

A native of Kashmir, Arhan Bagati combines strong academic grounding with deep grassroots engagement. He completed his undergraduate education at Pomona College in the United States and later pursued interdisciplinary studies at the University of Cambridge through a study abroad programme. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, focusing on public leadership, governance and evidence-based policymaking. Despite his global academic exposure, Bagati has remained consistently connected to issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir, especially inclusive development and institutional reform.

Beyond academics, Bagati has played a pioneering role in advancing India’s Paralympic movement. Since 2014, he has been associated with the Paralympic Committee of India as an Awareness and Impact Ambassador. His work has focused on improving access to resources, visibility and logistical support for para-athletes, helping bridge gaps that often limit participation of athletes with disabilities. His efforts culminated in his appointment as India’s first and the world’s youngest Deputy Chef de Mission for the Indian contingent at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games — a role that highlighted his leadership in inclusive sports governance.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Bagati is best known as the founder of KYARI (Kashmir’s Yumberzal Applied Research Institute), an organisation dedicated to applied research, policy advocacy and grassroots development. KYARI’s work spans multiple sectors including education, sanitation, electricity access, tourism, environmental conservation and women’s economic empowerment. One of its notable initiatives included introducing e-rickshaws in Srinagar to promote environmentally friendly transportation while generating livelihoods for economically disadvantaged youth.

Bagati has also been actively involved in reviving Kashmir’s cultural and intellectual ecosystem. Under his leadership, the Kashmir Literature Festival was organised after a gap of 33 years, bringing together writers, thinkers and cultural voices from across the country. The event marked a revival of intellectual engagement in the Valley and showcased Kashmir’s rich literary heritage on a national platform.

His contributions to creative industries have further strengthened Kashmir’s engagement with mainstream cinema. Bagati served as co-producer of the feature film “Ground Zero” and later as associate producer of “120 Bahadur,” facilitating large-scale film production in the region. These projects helped position Kashmir as a viable global filming destination, generating employment and boosting local tourism.

On the global engagement front, Bagati currently leads the India Trek 2026 initiative — a youth exchange programme involving students from leading international universities. The initiative aims to foster cultural understanding and allow global youth to witness Kashmir’s realities first-hand, promoting authentic narratives and people-to-people connections.

Recognised as a thought leader, Bagati has spoken at national and international platforms including TEDx Youth and has contributed to leading publications such as Hindustan Times, Republic and Greater Kashmir. His recognition by Hindustan Times’ “30 Under 30 – Social Impact Leader” and the ET Indo Global Leaders Award further reflects his growing influence in social impact leadership.

Arhan Bagati’s Republic Day Award is not just a personal achievement but a powerful signal that youth-led governance, inclusive development and grassroots innovation are shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. His journey stands as an inspiration for young Kashmiris to engage constructively, dream boldly and contribute meaningfully to the region’s progress.