JAMMU: The 11th National Handloom Day was celebrated at the Conference Hall, Udyog Bhawan, Jammu, with grandeur and cultural vibrance. Organised by the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, the event honoured India’s handloom legacy and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting weavers. Eleven curated stalls by weavers, cooperative societies and handloom units showcased the region’s textile heritage.

The event was inaugurated by Mohammad Nazir Sheikh, Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Jammu. In his address, he said the handloom sector reflects India’s civilisational heritage and that artisans are cultural custodians. He called for collective responsibility in empowering them through innovation and sustained support. Senior officers from the department, including Deputy Director Administration Mohammad Farooq Malik and Deputy Director Planning Rakesh Kumar Sharma, visited the stalls.

A specially curated “Handloom Selfie Point” attracted visitors, while brochures and awareness material were distributed to enhance outreach and participation in departmental schemes. Artisans expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their work. Certificates of Excellence and mementoes were presented to selected weavers and cooperatives.

Assistant Director Handlooms Jammu Rupali Mahajan thanked dignitaries and praised the Director for his leadership. She noted that National Handloom Day reaffirms India’s cultural identity and that innovation will sustain traditional crafts. The event concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to artisan welfare and cultural preservation.

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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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