BANDIPORA: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, and the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI), conducted a one-day Business Plan Ideathon and Workshop at Government Polytechnic College, Bandipora, on September 2, 2024.

The event marked the formal inauguration of the SBDU Bandipora, officiated by Shri Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Deputy Commissioner/District Development Commissioner. The SBDU initiative is a flagship program of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. 

Shri Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Deputy Commissioner/District Development Commissioneremphasized the critical role of skilling, effective marketing of these skills, and the contribution of SBDUs toward self-employment. He highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between skill development and market needs. The event featured Shri Asim Khan, Scientist, F as the Guest of Honour. Shri Khan pledged support for capacity building of entrepreneurs through workshops in collaboration with IIM Jammu.

Shri Javid Iqbal, Principal of Government Polytechnic College Bandipora, organized the Ideathon event in association with the IIM Jammu Incubation Centre (i-TBI). The Ideathon included idea pitches from various districts of North Kashmir, such as Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, and Bandipora, which were presented and discussed.

SBDUs, established by IIM Jammuin collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, and the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI)across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, aims to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs and innovators to refine their business ideas and address real-world problems. The event saw enthusiastic participation from across North Kashmir and the presence of dignitaries from various colleges.

The session began with an introduction to the SBDU program and the Ideathon by Shri Ishfaq, Coordinator, SBDU Bandipora. Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer at IIM Jammu, discussed the innovation and incubation support provided by the IIM Jammu Incubation Centre (DST-i-TBI) at the Jagti (Jammu) campus and the ThinkIn incubator at Nowgam (Srinagar), off-campus. Shri Naren Karunankarn, Consultant, SBDU, shared insights on the SBDU program, while Dr. Shahid Jibran, Project Manager - SBDU, provided information on SBDUs and growing business opportunities in J&K.

During the valedictory session, Shri Javid Parsa, Founder of Parsa Foods and Beverages and a successful entrepreneur from Bandipora, shared his journey and discussed the challenges and opportunities in J&K. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Rukhsana Bashir, SBDU Incharge Bandipora

The event provided a unique platform for participants to showcase their ideas, receive expert feedback, and explore opportunities for further capacity building and business incubation.The Capacity Building Program on Small Business Development Units by IIM Jammu sets the stage for transformative growth, empowering aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation

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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