SRINAGAR, October 2, 2025 – Sajad Akbar Rather, a 39-year-old teacher from Sopore, Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, has been awarded the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA)fellowship, a prestigious program for educators and researchers sponsored by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by IREX. Rather, who teaches science and computer studies at Boys Higher Secondary School, Bomai, will embark on his Fulbright journey in the United States during September–October 2026, after completing visa and medical formalities.Born and raised in Wadura village, Sopore, Rather graduated in Science from Sopore College (2003–2005) and earned a Master’s in Computer Application (MCA) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow in 2009. Since joining the teaching profession in 2012, he has distinguished himself by integrating technology and innovation into education. At the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL), he mentors students in codingand applied science projects, emphasiSing the importance of modern teaching methods.
“Teaching today is not confined to classrooms; it involves research, innovation, and community involvement,” he told Kashmir Life.Rather’s selection for the Fulbright Scholarship follows a decade of accolades that bolstered his candidacy. In 2018, his innovative teaching paper earned a National Award from NCERT, New Delhi. In 2022, he received the UT Best Teacher Award from the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. He has also presented three research papers at national conferences in Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and New Delhi, focusing on pedagogical innovation and community-driven learning. His community-based initiatives under the National Service Scheme (NSS), including awareness campaigns, drug detection drives, and student mobilization, further strengthened his profile.
The Fulbright Scholarship is known for its rigorous evaluation process, assessing candidates on classroom teaching, research innovation, outreach efforts for girl students’ safety, localized content development, and technological integration in education. Rather’s work on localizing educational content in the Kashmiri language particularly impressed evaluators. “They were happy to see such initiatives in a remote place like Jammu and Kashmir. The National Education Policy (NEP) now emphasizes localized content, but we were already doing it in 2018,” he said.Reflecting on his journey, Rather shared, “I applied earlier but wasn’t selected. This year, after the interview and TOEFL, I received the confirmation email. It was a moment of joy for me and my community.”
He views the fellowship as an opportunity to bring global perspectives, digital teaching methods, and cross-cultural insights to students in Sopore and Jammu and Kashmir.Remaining grounded, Rather said, “At this age, I am satisfied with my journey from awards to seminars, but there is still much to do. This is just another beginning.” He expressed gratitude to his Principal, Abdul Qayoom Dar, for his guidance and to Fulbright alumni Waseem Aziz, Tajamul Naseem, Rameez Sudan, and Shaista Masoodi for their support. He also thanked his family, friends, and the School Education Department, Jammu and Kashmir, including Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, Principal Secretary Ram Nivas Sharma, Director School Education Kashmir Dr GN Itoo, JD North Hakeem Tanveer Ahamad, and CEO Baramulla Peerzada Bashir Ahmad Shah, for recognizing innovative teaching practices.Rather’s achievement has not yet been widely publicized. “Only a few close friends and colleagues know. It came through an email,” he noted. His story is a testament to dedication, innovation, and the transformative power of education in Jammu and Kashmir.
