BHADARWAH, Sep 5: Noted academician and researcher Dr Sandeep Kotwal, Head of the Department of Botany at Government Degree College Doda has been conferred with the prestigious “Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Teaching Excellence Award 2026” in recognition of his significant contributions to higher education and plant sciences.
The award was presented by the Kolkata based International Benevolent Research Foundation (IBRF) during a two day international conference concluded recently at Government Degree College, Bhadarwah. The academic summit was organized in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Universities (CIU), New Delhi and backed by the Higher Education Department and the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC).
Dr Kotwal joined the J&K Higher Education Department in 2009 and has served across key institutions including GDC Bhadarwah, GDC Bishnah and GDC Doda. In 2021, he was appointed Assistant Professor at the Cluster University of Jammu.
Reacting to the honor, Dr Kotwal noted that the real reward in academia lies in kindling curiosity among students in regional institutions.
“Any recognition named after a philosopher teacher like Dr Radhakrishnan brings deep humility rather than pride,” Dr Kotwal said. “Teaching botany in Jammu and Kashmir is especially rewarding because our young students live right beside one of the world’s most vibrant bio-diverse landscapes. This honor validates the effort to turn classrooms into active spaces of observation, research and conservation.”
An accomplished scholar from the region, Dr Kotwal qualified for the premier Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) in 2010. He also cleared national benchmark examinations including CSIR-UGC NET, SET and GATE.
His academic journey is marked by a consistent record of distinction. Dr Kotwal secured the first rank in his undergraduate studies at GDC Bhadarwah in 2005. Later, in 2014, he was awarded a University Gold Medal by then J&K Governor N N Vohra for topping his Master’s program. In 2023, he received his doctoral degree along with a certificate of appreciation presented by Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar during a special convocation.
College faculties, researchers and students across Doda and Bhadarwah have extended warm congratulations to Dr Kotwal acknowledging his consistent mentorship, research publications and frequent organization of national and international seminars across the Union Territory.