FATEHGARH SAHIB: Rashtriya Shiksha Samman Puraskar' was presented to Prof. Ashok Sood,eminent educationist and former vice principal of Mata Gujri College,Fatehgarh Sahib for excellence in the sphere of education.

The award was presented to Prof Sood, who is presently Director Divine Light International School, Sirhind, by Indian Economic Development and
Research Organisation and All India Business and Community Foundation
during a recent function at New Delhi.

As per reports, in all 35 awards in various categories for outstanding contributions in the fields of education, industry, science and technology and social service were presented. The galaxy of illustrious personalities who graced the award ceremony included Dr Oleg N. Laptenok, Ambassador, Embassy of the Public of Belarus, Dr Bhishma Narain Singh, former Government and Union Minister, former Chief Election Commissioner Dr G.V.G. Krishnamurthi.

Earlier, Prof Sood got a district level award for excellence in the field of education in the year 2004 on World Red Cross Day.

After post-graduation in English from Kurukshetra in 1964, Prof Sood
joined Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib in July, 1964 at the age of
22. After retirement in the year 2000, Prof Sood's services were utilized by Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib principal Dr Gurmohan Singh Walia as Co-ordinator of careers and guidance bureau of the college and Prof Sood, a resident of Sirhind town of district Fatehgarh Sahib, guided students for various competitive examinations at state and national level. He taught communication skills in English gave lectures on personality development and conducted mock-interviews for MBA and MCA students.