In a proud moment for the entire UT of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for District Anantnag, Patron Zeba Aapa Institute, Bijbehara was awarded the Padma Shri by President Ram Nath Kovind today.Patron Zeba Aapa Institute, Javed Ahmad Tak has a post- graduate degree in social work from Kashmir University. In 2000 he founded an NGO, Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline for welfare of the poor and disabled persons. Javed, himself specially abled, has been confined to the wheelchair since 1997. He was crippled by bullets from unknown gunmen.In 2008, Javed setup Zeba Aapa Insititute for Inclusive Education.
The school caters to specially abled persons, particularly those with visual disabilities. The school was a first of its kind initiative in South Kashmir.The school employs special teaching methods to cater to the specially abled children enrolled in the school. They also use orthopaedic aids to help students with orthopedic disabilities to walk without need of support. The institute breeds an independent ethos into its pupils and encourages them to overcome any inferiority complex on account of their physical disabilities. On this occasion, DC Anantnag extended greetings to Javed on the brilliant feat. He said recognition of his services will serve as an example and encouragement for others to do their bit towards welfare of weaker sections of the society.