Volunteer trades PhD for community service, wins honor
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Mohd Firdoos of Jammu and Kashmir, India, received the MY Bharat-National Service Scheme (NSS) Award from President Droupadi Murmu for his dedication to community service.
Firdoos balanced his studies at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir with extensive volunteer work starting in 2017. He focused on improving education, health, and environmental awareness in rural communities.
Firdoos provided free educational support and materials to children in remote areas, organised blood drives, and participated in health camps for underserved populations. Beyond these initiatives, he planted over 2,450 trees and led campaigns promoting digital literacy, gender sensitivity, and understanding of government programs. He also worked to educate people about financial schemes and a cashless economy, believing access to information is a key form of support.
Years of consistent effort culminated in the national award presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 6, 2025. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports recognised Firdoos as one of 30 outstanding NSS volunteers from across India that year. Firdoos views his award as a way to highlight the impact young people can have when they dedicate themselves to serving their communities.
