Environmentalist and social activist Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo was conferred with the Khatija Begum Award 2026 by the J&K Rural Development Society (JKRDS) in recognition of his contribution towards environmental conservation, sustainable development, community welfare and promoting collective action for the protection of natural resources.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Wangnoo dedicated the award first and foremost to the memory of his mother. “Ma, this honour is yours. Your love, prayers and values continue to guide every step of my journey.” He also dedicated the honour to all those who deeply miss their mothers, saying that the values and memories left behind by mothers remain an enduring source of strength and inspiration.
Wangnoo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the J&K Rural Development Society for recognising his efforts, stating that such honours are not merely awards but reminders of the greater responsibility to continue serving society and protecting the environment.
He shared the recognition with the entire NLCO team, his well-wishers, supporters, friends and the administration for standing alongside various environmental and humanitarian initiatives.
“This award belongs to every hand and every heart that believes in serving humanity and protecting Mother Nature. Recognition strengthens our resolve to work harder, together and with humility,” he said. Reiterating his commitment to community-driven action, Wangnoo concluded with the message: “Together, Ekk Aur Naik Bankay — for humanity and Mother Nature.”
