“I owe this success to mentors, colleagues, students”, says Sopore’s Sajad Rather
Srinagar, Oct 02:In a proud moment for the education fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir, Sajad Akbar Rather, a dedicated Government teacher from Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Bomai in Sopore, has been selected for the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program 2025–26, one of the world’s most prestigious fellowships for educators.
As per the details available with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Rather has been selected for the Fall 2026 cohort, scheduled from September 9 to October 29, 2026 (tentative), where he will represent India among a distinguished group of international educators.
During his fellowship, Sajad will be taking part in university-level courses, specialized seminars on 21st-century teaching practices, observe and co-teach in U.S. schools and participate in a range of cultural and community activities.
The program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by IREX, brings together exceptional teachers from across the globe, aims to foster mutual understanding, exchange of innovative practices and leadership growth.
Sajad Rather is a National Awardee from NCERT (2018) and recipient of the UT Best Teacher Award (2022). At his institution, he mentors students under the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) initiative and serves as a UT-level Resource Person in ICT with JK SCERT. His research work has been widely presented at national conferences, highlighting innovative methodologies in the teaching–learning process.
Expressing his joy and gratitude, Rather told KNO that he owe this success to his mentors, colleagues and students, who have been my constant source of motivation
“I am thankful to my Principal, Abdul Qayoom Dar, for his guidance and appreciation of my efforts and to Fulbright alumni Waseem Aziz, Shaista Masoodi among others for their timely support. I am equally indebted to my family, friends and students for standing by me throughout this journey,” Rather said.
He also extended heartfelt thanks to the School Education Department J&K (UT), especially Education Minister Sakeena Itoo and others for motivating and inspiring teachers to innovate—(KNO)
