By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Vikas Kumar, also known as Sharma Ji, was honoured with the prestigious Samrat Ashok Award at the Bihar 24th Award Ceremony 2024, held in Patna. Born into a middle-class family in Jiyar village of Asthawa block, Vikas is the eldest of five siblings. His father, Bawan Prasad, worked as a presenter in the Civil Court, while his mother is a dedicated homemaker. His elder brother serves as a Technician Grade I in the Railways, and his younger brother works as a Commercial Clerk, also in the Railways. Additionally, his elder brother-in-law is in the Indian Army, and his younger brother-in-law serves as an Assistant Loco Pilot in the Railways.
Vikas is an advocate practising in the Patna High Court and also serves as the Legal Advisor of BAPWD, an institution recognised by the Government of India and Bihar. Alongside his legal career, Vikas is deeply involved in social work. His commitment to helping the poor, exploited, deprived, and disabled is evident through his actions, whether it involves securing treatment for them at government hospitals or providing legal aid. Recently, he intervened when the Raxaul GRP had delayed filing an FIR for a deceased person’s family for four months; he contacted Muzaffarpur Railway SP Kumar Ashish to ensure the FIR was filed. He also provided blood for a poor woman late at night, demonstrating his dedication.
Vikas’s social work has been recognised multiple times by prominent figures, including former Chief Minister of Bihar Jitan Ram Manjhi, former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Ministers Tarkeshwar Prasad, Shyam Rajak, and Sameer Mahaseth, former State President of Congress Madan Mohan Jha, and renowned educators such as Khan Sir and Rehman Sir. He has also been honoured by BAPWD National President Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, former Eligibility Commissioner Dr Shivaji Kumar, and BAPWD Executive President Hriday Yadav.
At the recent Bihar 24th Award Ceremony 2024, Vikas was presented with the Samrat Ashok Award in the presence of several dignitaries, including the Deputy Collector, DSP Sanjay Jaiswal, former Divyang Commissioner Dr Shivaji Kumar, BAPWD National President Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, Executive President Hriday Yadav, as well as the Circle Officer and Block Development Officer.
Vikas credits his grandmother as his inspiration, as she experienced poverty firsthand and encouraged him to make a name for himself that people would remember. His mission is now clear: to ensure that every poor, exploited, deprived, and disabled person benefits from the government’s welfare schemes, so they can live a life of dignity.
