• MLA Rajpora inaugurates the event, emphasises community participation and self-reliance

PULWAMA: District administration Pulwama today launched a week-long initiative titled ‘Aakanksha Haat’ at Sangerwani Pulwama. The event was inaugurated by Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Rajpora, Ghulam Mohi Ud-din Mir and aims to undertake activities like installation of stalls exhibiting local products, live demonstration of crafts, cultural engagement, capacity building workshops, artisan registration and onboarding with e-commerce platforms in order to promote local products, empower Self Help Groups (SHGs), and create market opportunities for rural women entrepreneurs.

A wide range of government departments had set up dedicated stalls at the venue to deliver on-the-spot services. Local artisans, farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), FPOs and local entrepreneurs from the Aspirational Block Ichgoze participated in the event and exhibited handmade crafts, traditional artworks, locally produced goods, handloom and textile products and other region-specific items.

MLA Rajpora inspected the stalls and interacted with SHG members and entrepreneurs. He assured them of continued support in achieving self-reliance and accessing government schemes. Addressing the gathering, MLA spoke about the importance of working together for the progress of the area. “Everyone including officers, local people and community leaders should join hands to bring real change and people must take part actively in government programmes to ensure that government initiatives translate into meaningful change on the ground,” he said.

Appreciating the efforts of the SHG members, he said, “These women are preserving our traditions while also becoming financially independent. Their work deserves recognition and support.” He assured the community that the SHGs would be connected to relevant government schemes and financial assistance. ‘Aakanksha Haat’ initiative will continue for a week and will include exhibitions, awareness activities, capacity building workshops and support services.

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