• Says initiative to boost Foundational Learning in Schools

KULGAM: The Classes of Joy Initiative (Phase–II) was today formally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan today here at conference hall, Mini Secretariat Kulgam. The initiative taken by District Administration in collaboration with Pratham Foundation towards creating joyful, inclusive, and engaging classrooms.

The event was attended by Joint Director Planning, Malik Suhail, district officers, education department officials, and representatives of the Pratham Education Foundation. Adressing on the occasion, the DC said that the programme aims to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy in schools through joyful, activity-based, and child-centric teaching practices.

On the occasion, the MME personnel of Pratham presented a comprehensive Report of Previous Class of joy intervention which was conducted from July- November 2025 in 463 Govt. Schools of District Kulgam in which 9,722 children were reached. The report provided detailed account of program implementation and impact of learning levels of children. As reported, during the baseline assessment only 31% of children could read Grade 2nd text which increased to 57% after the program was implemented and Endline was conducted. Similarly in maths, only 35% of children were able to solve simple division. But after the program intervention the number reached to 68% when Endline was conducted. 

Also, zone-wise performance analysis,  program Impact  highlighting students’ learning levels, key strengths, and existing gaps were also discussed during the report. In July 2025, 2100 teachers underwent the Teaching at the Right Level training for conducting class of joy and implementation of the intervention in the actual classrooms.

The presentation provided teachers with valuable first-hand insights to support better academic planning and targeted classroom interventions using the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach.

An interactive session with teachers was also held to gather feedback on the orientation programme and to address classroom-level challenges. Teachers expressed enthusiasm and strong commitment towards adopting activity-based teaching methodologies.

Demonstrations on the use of assessment tools, proper record maintenance, and systematic tracking of student progress were conducted to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the initiative.

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