Srinagar: In a significant achievement for Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Administrative Service, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, the Commissioner Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, J&K Government, has been selected as a 2025 Eisenhower Global Fellow.
The prestigious fellowship recognizes emerging global leaders dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
Prestigious Global Recognition for J&K IAS Officer
Mr Choudhary, a 2009 batch IAS officer from the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, joins an elite international group of changemakers who focus on sustainability, resilience, and innovation. The Eisenhower Fellowships program is designed to bring together emerging leaders worldwide, encouraging cross-border cooperation to tackle pressing global issues.
In a recent post on X, IAS Choudhary expressed his excitement and humility at being selected. He shared, “Thrilled to share this frame of the Eisenhower Fellowships 2025 Global Fellows. Honoured to stand alongside incredible changemakers from around the world – and looking forward to building bridges of knowledge, partnerships, and action that link local resilience with global sustainability.”
Commitment to Climate Resilience and Rural Livelihoods
Beyond the honor, Mr Choudhary emphasized the responsibility the fellowship entails. He stated that this recognition deepens his commitment to key areas close to his heart – climate resilience and strengthening rural livelihoods, particularly among Himalayan communities. He highlighted the lives and challenges of transhumant pastoralists and farmers, saying, “Sustainability is not an abstract goal but a lived practice of resilience.”
This focus on the intersection of environmental sustainability and socio-economic resilience aligns with the Eisenhower Fellowship’s vision of nurturing leaders who drive impactful change.
A Distinguished Career Dedicated to Public Service and Innovation
IAS Choudhary’s journey is marked by several pioneering achievements –
Early Life and Education: Born into a Muslim Gujjar family in Rehan village, Rajouri, he completed his schooling locally. He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & A.H) from Jammu, a Master’s in Natural Resource Management from FRI University, Dehradun, and has pursued advanced studies in Public Policy and Leadership at the University of Oxford and Environment and Sustainability at the London School of Economics.
Civil Services and Forestry: Before joining IAS, he qualified for the Indian Forest Service in 2005 and served as a forest officer in the Kashmir Valley.
IAS Career: Securing an impressive All India Rank 51 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2008, he became the first Muslim from the Jammu region and the first Gurjar from J&K to enter the Indian Administrative Service as a direct recruit.
Key Positions Held: Over the years, IAS Choudhary has held numerous senior administrative roles including Secretary to the Government of J&K in departments such as Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Tribal Affairs, and Science & Technology.
He has also served as District Development Commissioner/District Magistrate in multiple districts such as Srinagar, Rajouri, Bandipora, Leh, Udhampur, Kathua, and Reasi. Other roles include CEO of Mission Youth J&K, Managing Director of J&K Tourism Development Corporation, and Additional Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office.
International Recognition and Contribution: Dr Choudhary is a distinguished World Bank Scholar, Fulbright Fellow, and an international resource person on indigenous mobile populations, transhumance, and migration. He is part of the UN’s Working Group for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
Awards and Honors
Dr Choudhary’s exemplary service has been recognized with numerous awards:
- Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2023) for outstanding contributions as CEO Mission Youth in Kashmir.
- Prime Minister’s Award (2018) for his work on “Project Rahat.”
- National Award for Best Electoral Conduct from the Election Commission of India.
- National Awards for e-Governance from the Ministry of Personnel, Government of India.
- Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2015).
- National Award for Women Empowerment (2018) on International Women’s Day for enabling girl child education.
- National Award for exceptional contribution to the Education sector (2019).
About Eisenhower Fellowships
The Eisenhower Fellowships program is a globally recognized leadership initiative that convenes emerging leaders from diverse sectors and countries to foster collaboration on innovative solutions addressing key global challenges. Each year, a select cohort of Global Fellows is chosen to participate in a transformative exchange of ideas, networks, and partnerships, aimed at promoting peace, sustainability, and inclusive growth worldwide.
Pride to J & K
The selection of Dr Choudhary as a 2025 Eisenhower Global Fellow underscores his relentless dedication to public service, climate resilience, and rural development. His achievements not only bring pride to Jammu and Kashmir but also highlight the critical role of visionary leadership in fostering sustainable development amid complex challenges.
Thrilled to share this frame of the Eisenhower Fellowships 2025 Global Fellows 🌍
— Shahid Choudhary (@listenshahid) August 20, 2025
Honoured to stand alongside incredible changemakers from around the world — and looking forward to building bridges of knowledge, partnerships, and action that link local resilience with global… pic.twitter.com/DtzpAnWEsS
