JAMMU: Dr. Nuzhat Bashir Shah today took over as the Director of Ayush, Jammu & Kashmir, becoming the first woman to lead the Directorate. With a distinguished career in the Ayush sector, Dr. Nuzhat has served the department in various capacities, including as District Ayush Officer, Anantnag, and Deputy Director Ayush, contributing significantly to the promotion and strengthening of traditional medicine in the region.

Dr. Nuzhat Bashir has played a pivotal role in several landmark initiatives. She was one of the key officers instrumental in organizing the International Day of Yoga at SKICC, Srinagar, in 2024, a historic event graced by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

Her dedication and leadership was also evident in her role as the Nodal Officer for the Shri Amarnath Yatra since 2021, ensuring the successful establishment of Ayush Medical Camps and Yoga Camps along the yatra route to provide holistic healthcare to pilgrims.

Additionally, her contributions to organizing Yoga and Ayush camps during the G20 Summit in Srinagar in 2023 were widely appreciated, reinforcing J&K’s commitment to traditional wellness practices on a global platform.

As she assumes office, Dr. Nuzhat has outlined a progressive vision for the Ayush sector in Jammu & Kashmir. Her focus will be on expanding Ayush healthcare services across the Union Territory, strengthening Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, and enhancing the integration of Ayush with mainstream healthcare. She is committed to promoting yoga, naturopathy, and other traditional healing practices among the masses while ensuring their accessibility at grassroots levels.

A strong advocate for the development of the medicinal plants sector, Dr. Bashir aims to facilitate the cultivation and sustainable extraction of high-value medicinal plants, supporting farmers and entrepreneurs engaged in this field.

Accordingly an Introductory meeting was held at Directorate of Ayush, J&K Office Jammu which was attended by Deputy Director Ayush, Jammu Dr Suresh Sharma, Assistant Directors of Directorate of Ayush, J&K Dr Rakesh Kumar Raina and Dr Sujad Hussain Shuja, Chief Accounts Officer Sonam Singh, Medical Superintendent Govt Ayurvedic Hospital, Jammu Dr Vandana Dogra, Dy Medical Superintendent Dr Aruna Bhat, District Ayush Officers Udhampur and Samba Dr Surekha Pandita and Dr Renu Das and all the staff of Directorate of Ayush, J&K and National Ayush Mission.

The staff hoped that with the extensive experience and commitment to the sector, Dr. Nuzhat Bashir will  lead the Directorate of Ayush, J&K, towards a new era of growth and innovation, ensuring that traditional medicine and wellness practices reach every corner of the Union Territory.

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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