TNR News Network
Shimla : Dr. Naresh Kumar Kaundal has been conferred with the Indian Heroes Award 2025 by the All India Artists Association, an organization that has been promoting artists for the past 70 years. This esteemed association was founded by Sudhir Gaur, Balraj Sahni, and Madan Puri, with renowned actors Prem Chopra, Amrish Puri, and Sunil Dutt as its patrons.
Dr. Kaundal was recognized for his initiative in launching ‘Himachal Got Talent’, a platform that has provided opportunities for thousands of artists in Himachal Pradesh to showcase their talent on television. Additionally, his efforts in establishing ‘Himalayan Got Talent’, which aims to promote mountain culture at national and international levels, have gained popularity across Himachal, Uttarakhand, Jammu, and Nepal.
His contribution to youth engagement through Himachal Premier League (Drug-Free Himachal) and Himachal Pro Kabaddi League (Drug-Free Himachal) has effectively spread the message of anti-drug awareness while encouraging sportsmanship. Furthermore, his efforts led to the creation of the First Himachali Film Entertainment and Pride Award, which played a key role in the development of the Himachal Film Policy.
Dr. Kaundal also pioneered the Digital Himachali Pahari Learning Book, making it easier for people to learn and write the Pahari language, thus preserving the region’s linguistic heritage. In recognition of these significant contributions, he was honored with the Indian Heroes Award.
Bollywood actor Rohtas Gaur, while presenting the award, stated, “The nation needs heroes who actively contribute to their state, district, and society through their work.”
Several esteemed personalities attended the event, including Padma Shri awardees:
- Padma Shri Harman Sharma (Contribution to apple farming)
- Padma Shri Vidya Anand Sharik (Music)
- Himachal Gaurav K.L. Sehgal (Music)
- Nati King Kuldeep Sharma (Nati folk music)
- Subedar Sohan Verma (Operation Kargil 1999)
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Kaundal shared that receiving this honor alongside such legendary figures is a moment of immense pride. He acknowledged the struggles behind his success, attributing his achievements to his wife Seema Kaundal, who stood by him through challenges. He reminisced about his early academic setbacks, failing twice in fourth grade, but credited his mother Kashmiri Devi, whose encouragement led him to pursue a PhD and collaborate with top-ranked universities globally in research.
Dr. Kaundal dedicated this award to his wife, mother, and father, Pratap Singh, and acknowledged the support of several individuals, including Green Hills Engineering College Chairman Kripal Singh Pasricha, former minister Govind Thakur, SJVNL Chairman N.L. Sharma, Director Ajay Kumar Sharma, and social activists Chand Mohan Sharma, Shanky Thukral, Avneesh Chauhan, Raminder Bawa, Dr. D.R. Gautam, Dr. Sushil, Dharma Singh, Saurabh Gautam, S.K. Panwar, Anil Mankotia, Nageen Bansal, and Vijay Bhavani.
Chairman Kripal Singh Pasricha congratulated Dr. Kaundal, stating that it is a matter of pride for Green Hills Engineering College to have one of its professors honored with such a prestigious award. He affirmed the college’s commitment to supporting impactful initiatives.
Additionally, Principal Dr. R.P. Singh, Core Committee members Dr. Abhay, Neha Chauhan, Baljeet Singh, Balveer Bhardwaj, and the HODs and staff extended their congratulations to Dr. Kaundal on his remarkable achievement.
