JAMMU: “With dedicated support for our farmers, we honour the legacy of Bawa Jitto, whose life and sacrifice resonate with every cultivator in our region,” remarked Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, during a key meeting held here today on preparations for the upcoming Jhiri Mela. Set for November 14-24, the event is anticipated to attract about 20 lakh visitors, making it an opportunity for government departments to actively promote schemes that benefit rural populations.

Surinder Choudhary, who chaired the meeting, emphasised that the Jhiri Mela is vital not only for local agriculture but for showcasing Jammu's cultural heritage. He advocated for enhanced efforts to educate attendees, especially farmers about agricultural advancements, available seeds and fertilisers. Dy CM  instructed the officials to set up specialised kiosks to provide information on relevant government schemes, ensuring farmers’ welfare remains central. “This event is a platform to promote local craftsmen and highlight traditional arts for visitors from beyond Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

District Development Council Chairman, Bharat Bhushan, pressed for infrastructure upgrades, recommending that all main and link roads be blacktopped before the mela begins. He underscored the importance of Bawa Talab, calling for its rejuvenation and improved accessibility. “With Jhiri’s cultural significance, we should aim for the kind of comprehensive development seen at events like Surajkund Mela,” he maintained.

Dy CM cautioned all the concerned officials against any irregularities in tender processes while ensuring a swift action against the malfeasance. He also emphasised the need for sanitation, public safety and reasonable pricing of farming tools at the event. The administration will focus on facilitating the poor and marginalised, he assured, with measures to enhance visitor comfort and safety, he added.

Additional District Magistrate, Ansuya Jamwal, in her briefing, highlighted the details about the cultural attractions planned for the mela including a wrestling contest, a theatre play on Bawa Jitto and departmental stalls. The Mela Officer, SDM Marh, outlined plans for crowd management, parking, health services and uninterrupted water and electricity supply.

Commissioner JMC, Devansh Yadav, SP Rural Brijesh Sharma and other officials were also in attendance, reaffirming the administration’s commitment towards making this year’s Jhiri mela a memorable and impactful event.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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