In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

SRINAGAR: Director Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, today unveiled the second issue of ‘SILK KASH’, the Quarterly Journal 2026 of the Sericulture Development Department in presence of senior officers and departmental staff of the Department.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director emphasized the immense potential of sericulture as a viable and remunerative livelihood activity, particularly its cost-effectiveness and capacity to generate sustainable returns for rural households. He stressed the need for an intensive and result-oriented publicity and awareness campaign to disseminate information about the benefits and opportunities associated with silkworm rearing, making effective use of every available medium of communication and outreach.

The Director stated that the quarterly journal has been conceived as a dedicated knowledge and outreach platform aimed at showcasing best practices, documenting the achievements and success stories of progressive silkworm rearers and creating greater awareness among stakeholders about various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and flagship initiatives being implemented by the Department.

He highlighted that programmes such as Silk Samagra–2 and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) are being proactively implemented to strengthen the sericulture sector and extend the benefits of government interventions to stakeholders at the grassroots level. He observed that an informed stakeholder community is fundamental to ensuring effective implementation of schemes and maximizing their intended impact.

Bhat further stated that through ‘SILK KASH’, the Department seeks to bridge the information gap and ensure that silkworm rearers, farmers, silk reeling and weaving unit holders, educated youth, women and tribal communities remain adequately informed about available schemes, subsidies, training programmes, departmental facilities and technical support. Such timely access to information, he said, would enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and fully capitalize on the opportunities emerging in the sericulture sector.

The Director also underscored the importance of capacity building and continuous skill enhancement as key drivers for the sustainable growth and modernization of sericulture in Jammu & Kashmir. He informed that focused efforts are being made to strengthen the capabilities of stakeholders through skill-upgradation programmes for departmental field functionaries, exposure visits for silkworm rearers and farmers and targeted awareness camps for educated youth, women and tribal communities.

He expressed the hope that ‘SILK KASH’ would evolve into an effective communication, knowledge-sharing and knowledge-dissemination platform, providing stakeholders with practical information, technological insights and greater awareness of the opportunities available in the sector, while also giving wider visibility to the achievements and initiatives of the Sericulture Department.

The unveiling of the journal marks another step towards strengthening communication, knowledge dissemination and stakeholder engagement with the broader objective of making sericulture a more attractive, productive and sustainable livelihood avenue across Jammu & Kashmir.

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
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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