KISHTWAR: For the first time, devotees visiting Shri Machail Mata Temple in Padder have access to fresh flowers at the Bhawan. This initiative was carried out by District Administration Kishtwar under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma and ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kumar Kotwal in coordination with the Department of Floriculture, Parks & Gardens led by Sh. Arjun Singh Parihar, Assistant Floriculture Officer Doda-Kishtwar.

Support from flower growers and the local business community of Machail, who also help arrange prasad for pilgrims, played a key role. Lakhs of devotees visit Shri Machail Mata Temple each year during the Machail Yatra. Flowers are closely linked with religious rituals and their availability at this remote shrine has been well received by devotees and locals.

Making flowers available at Machail was a challenge. Due to the terrain and long foot journey, ensuring fresh flowers, despite their short shelf life, was a major task. Eight flower growers and one local youth from Padder worked to make this long-pending effort possible.

In coming years, with road connectivity expected to improve, the supply of flowers is likely to increase. The rising demand for flowers at Machail Bhawan will open job opportunities for the local farming community through marigold and other flower cultivation, benefitting farmers, traders and vendors.

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