• DC Kulgam presides over the valedictory session, says most joyful place for a child should be the classroom

KULGAM: A week-long training programme for elementary teachers under the ‘Classes of Joy’ initiative concluded today in Kulgam. The training was organised by the District Administration in collaboration with Pratham Education Foundation and the School Education Department. It aimed to enhance the capacity of teachers in bridging foundational learning gaps among students in Classes 3 to 5.

The initiative based on the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach is being implemented across all 458 primary and middle schools of the district to improve foundational literacy and numeracy. Over 2,100 elementary teachers were trained in multiple batches, with each session accommodating 300 participants every day.

Teachers also received teaching-learning material to support implementation. The valedictory session which was held here at Conference hall today, was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan. He appreciated the active participation and commitment of teachers, and emphasised the need to make classrooms joyful, engaging and focused on students' actual learning levels.

DC stated that the most joyful place for a child should be the classroom and teachers have a crucial role in shaping a child’s future. He said gaps in learning do exist, but with the right approach, we can overcome them. He urged all teachers to implement the methods learnt during this training in their classrooms.

The training focused on identifying learning gaps through simple assessments, grouping children according to their learning levels, and using activity-based methods to improve foundational skills. It also aimed to build teachers’ ability to provide level-specific instruction.

On the occasion, teachers shared their feedback, describing the training as practical and relevant to the challenges they face. They appreciated the activity-based teaching approach and expressed the need for more such capacity-building programmes in the future. Also present in the session were Additional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Viqar Giri; ACR, Riyaz Ahmad Shah; CEO, Mohammad Shabir and other officers and stakeholders from the education department.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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