Director Aijaz Ahmad Khan, who hails from Hyhama area of north Kashmir’s Kuwpara district, has been conferred with an honorary doctorate by Brookfield International University (BIU), USA (South Dakota), in recognition of his exceptional contributions to media, art and culture.
The prestigious award was presented during a grand ceremony held in New Delhi, graced by the presence of Bollywood actors, sports icons, university professors, and prominent leaders from various fields. The honour was bestowed upon Khan by Kalraj Mishra, former Governor of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh and Union Minister Gajendra Chauhan besides other dignitaries.
This recognition underscores Khan’s remarkable achievements in leveraging media as a powerful tool for social change and cultural preservation.
With an illustrious career spanning over 18 years, Khan has directed and produced more than 130 films and documentaries, focusing on themes such as rural empowerment, sanitation, menstrual hygiene, and cultural heritage. He has also worked on over 670 episodes of television programs aired on Zee TV, Doordarshan, Sony, Colours and Star Plus. In addition, Khan has acted in renowned Bollywood films and has performed over 110 songs in Urdu, Hindi, and Kashmiri, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Over the years, Khan has received numerous accolades for his exceptional work, including the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rashtriya Gramya Sashaktikaran Puraskar 2022 and the Youth Icon Award 2015 in the category of Art and Culture. He has also been honoured with more than a dozen awards across the country for his contributions to filmmaking, acting, modelling, cultural performances, and direction.
Currently serving in the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Jammu and Kashmir, Khan has played a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility and impact of government schemes through innovative media campaigns. His work on initiatives like MGNREGA, PMAY-G, JKRLM, IWMP, and the Swachh Bharat Mission has significantly contributed to raising awareness among rural communities.
Speaking at the event, Khan expressed his heartfelt gratitude and stated: “This honour is a testament to the transformative power of media in shaping society. I am deeply inspired to continue using media and art as tools to empower rural communities and preserve our cultural heritage. I dedicate this recognition to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and my team, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey.”
Brookfield International University, USA, headquartered in South Dakota, is renowned for recognizing outstanding contributions in the fields of art, culture, and social development. This honour marks a significant milestone in Aijaz Ahmad Khan’s distinguished career and reflects his unwavering commitment to creating a positive societal impact through media and art.
