Anand was given the 'Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Shiksha Puruskar' by Governor Devanand Konwar at a function here to mark the education day.
"I am happy to receive the award for my honest effort to make a difference to people who cannot afford quality education," Kumar told IANS.
"The award is special for me. This is a big honour. My own state has finally recognized me," he said.
Officials said Anand was chosen for his contribution in teaching children from poor families and preparing them for the IIT-JEE exams. At his school students get free coaching, lodging and food for nine months.
The award was instituted by the Bihar government in 2007. It carries a citation and Rs.2 lakh.
In the last three years, all 30 students of Super 30 have made it to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Since 2003, 212 students have made it to the IITs.
Kumar, who himself missed a chance to study at the Cambridge because he didn't have enough money, gives full scholarships to every annual batch of 30 students.
They have to pass a competitive test to get into Super 30 and then commit themselves to a year of 16-hour study each day.
Anand, who started the Ramanujam School of Mathematics in 1992, founded the Super 30 in 2002.
comments...
The hidden treasure of Bihar are being discovered. Anand a shiny bright Diamond and now is brilliantly shinning across the globe. From Presidnet Obama to PM of Japan, Hon. PM Dr. Manmohan Singh and now is being recognized at home.
Whenever I visit Patna, I go to visit the "Temple of Education and Learning" Ramanujam Institute, whose pujari is Anand Kumar. The gleaming eyes of the students, the eagerness to gain knowledge is a scene which is imprinted in my mind. And this has been the key to recognition of India by President Obama and others around the globe.
Just last week another bright star Irfan a young entrepreneur showed the path and belief that "Every thing is possible, all you have to do is dream"
The young entrepreneur Kaushlendra is determined to increase the living standard of farmers. He has dedicated himself to farmers and has been an inspiration to budding social entrepreneurs.
The energy and vision of entrepreneur Nawal will surely bring entrepreneurship in his field. Just like Ajay who had a vision and with help of his spouse he has made a institution.
And then a young man barely 17 Shivendu Madhav who has come up with search engine "tejguru.com".
Prof. Piysh Sinha (IIM), Mr. T. V. Sinha (Polaris), Mr. Prabhat Sinha (COE) have been providing mentor-ship and guidance to these entrepreneurs .
There are thousands of such hidden shinning Diamond all across Bihar. The younger generation with guidance from it's mentors is sure to take Bihar to Golden age.
Congratulation Anand, a well deserved award and recognition and all of us thank you for making "Temple of Education and Learning" in Patna Bihar.
