Tanveer Hussain
Srinagar, September 12: The “Icons of Kashmir – Season 2026” ceremony, organised by the Incentive Foster Foundation (IFF), was held at the All India Radio, Akashvani Auditorium, Srinagar. The event brought together distinguished personalities from various walks of life whose services, achievements and contributions have made a positive and meaningful impact on society and the Kashmir Valley.
Organised with the support of J&K Bank and Noonley, the initiative honoured prominent individuals from different fields with the prestigious “Icons of Kashmir” recognition. The programme aimed to highlight and acknowledge the contributions of individuals who have gone beyond their professional responsibilities to serve society, promote positive change and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson, Indian Institute of Management Jammu, was the chief guest on the occasion, while Aziza Qureshi, JKAS, Under Secretary, LG Grievance Cell, attended as the special guest. Among the special invitees were Sheikh Ghulam Hassan, JKPS, Superintendent of Police; Jahangir Ahmad Giri, JKAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Khan Sahib, Budgam; and Professor (Dr.) Fayaz Ahmad Nika, former Dean and Registrar, Central University of Kashmir. Several other distinguished personalities also attended the ceremony.
Dr. Sulaiman Saleh Sulaiman, President, Incentive Foster Foundation, Nigeria, participated in the event as an international delegate.
Addressing the gathering, Junaid-ul-Islam, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IFF, said that the primary objective of “Icons of Kashmir” was to bring to the forefront the valuable services and efforts of individuals who are contributing towards positive change in society.
He said that “Icons of Kashmir” is not merely an award ceremony but a vision aimed at creating a culture where meaningful services are recognised, inspiring journeys are celebrated and individuals contributing positively to society are encouraged and appreciated.
Yasinara Hussain, Secretary, IFF, said that through the initiative, the foundation had begun a journey to identify and honour individuals who have consistently gone beyond their professional roles to serve society.
She said that these individuals had not only excelled in their respective fields but had also inspired others and rendered meaningful services for the society and the Valley they call home.
The awardees included Touheed Parvez Bhat, Liaqat Abbas, Sofia Shabir, Safia Mehraj, Dr. Shahid Amin Bhat, Mohammad Ayoub Mir, Syeda Nihal Zahra, Syed Tauseef Rehmat, Dr. Saima Paul, Dr. Shamim Ahmad Bande, Maqsooda Parveen, Azhar Shaheen, Wajid Mirak, Shakir Rasool, Mukhtar Ahmad Khan, Jahangir Hamid Lone, Dr. Dawood Mir, Gauhar Mir, Sanobar, Najma Basharat, Shah Rashid-ul-Shams, Syed Aqib, Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, Ashfaq Hafzi, Dr. Parvez Ahmad Sofi, Dr. Javid Ahmad Ganai, Umar Farooq Bhat, Ijaz Ahmad Shah, Dr. Tariq Ahmad Shera, Dr. Rifat Anjum Fatima, Dr. Adil Rashid Wani, Tabassum Sulaiman, Bhat Tahir, Mir Asif Imtiaz, Dr. Samrina Mukhtar, Engineer Shah Imtiaz, Engineer Hakim Sohail Mushtaq, Hadiqa Jalal, Sumit Bhat, Mir Itrat Haidari, Peer Azam and Athar Bhat.
The foundation expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the awardees, distinguished guests, partners, volunteers, members of the media fraternity, the IFF core management team and everyone whose support and cooperation contributed to the successful conduct of the event.
According to the foundation, “Icons of Kashmir – Season 2026” marks another important milestone in its journey. IFF remains committed to presenting new chapters of “Icons of Kashmir” every year, with the aim of recognising more inspiring personalities, highlighting meaningful contributions and preserving stories of excellence that deserve to be remembered.
The Incentive Foster Foundation extended its heartfelt congratulations to all the distinguished awardees of “Icons of Kashmir – Season 2026
