Javed Rahi, an Indian author, researcher, and social worker, is widely renowned for his precious contributions to tribal literature and cultural studies. He has written over 25 books in Gojri, Punjabi, and Urdu and edited several works. Having a Ph.D. in the University of Jammu, where he researched six tribal languages of Jammu and Kashmir, Rahi has dedicated his professional life to defending and promoting tribal culture and languages and therefore is a figurehead of tribal cultural campaigns.

The Gujjar tribe, to which Rahi belongs, is an indigenous community found largely in Jammu and Kashmir. The Gujjars are said to have an ancient pastoral lifestyle, hence their means of sustenance include cultivations, rearing of animals, and handicrafts. The cultural framework of the tribe has close bonds with nature and espouses sustainable livelihood. In his works documenting tribal customs, dialects, and folklore, Javed Rahi was inspired by his connection to the Gujjar tribe, and he provides vital keys to understanding the tribe's historical roots and contributions towards regional heritage

Javed Rahi was awarded various awards for his dedication towards the preservation of tribal culture and literature. He has been decorated with the most sought-after "Tribal Award" conferred by the Jammu and Kashmir Government for his work towards tribal literature and awarded on the day of "National Tribal Pride Day." Rahi has been accorded recognition from institutions as small as the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages that have bestowed multiple prizes on his books, plays, and documentation of culture. His work highlights the ongoing relevance of indigenous knowledge to India, given its diverse cultures.

Rahi has been advocating for the rights of tribal communities since 1994, notably advocating constitutional protection for minorities by raising awareness. He has facilitated widespread enforcement of national policies through conferences and seminars for empowering tribal communities in Jammu and Kashmir. His writings resulted in the enactment of the Forest Rights Act and political reservation of Scheduled Tribes in the region. Rahi continues to make trips to remote tribal areas, educating people on these rights, ultimately making it simpler to acquire land, resources, and representation.

Rahi's research contributions consist of substantial projects in collaboration with several institutions, starting with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, the Tribal Research Institute, etc. The result of his work has been the development of certain language resources: a dictionary and textbooks, including a Gujari dictionary with around 70,000 entries. Rahi served on Gojri language curriculum committees and wrote encyclopedic accounts on Himalayan Gujjars, thus further entrenching his position in the preservation and promotion of tribal knowledge.