• Awareness sessions & cultural events conducted to combat drug menace

PULWAMA: As part of its intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign under the UT-wide flagship initiative Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, the District Administration Pulwama in collaboration with the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K, today organised a mega awareness programme at Town Hall Pulwama.

This event marked one of the five major programmes conducted today across various municipal areas of the district. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from officials of Social Welfare, Health, Urban Local Bodies and other departments, along with representatives from Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), members of civil society, social workers and the general public.

During the event, a panel of experts and resource persons from multiple departments conducted interactive sessions, sensitising attendees about the alarming consequences of drug abuse. Medical professionals from the Health Department highlighted the root causes of addiction, including depression, peer pressure, curiosity, family trauma and feelings of inferiority. They stressed the importance of timely intervention, emotional support and rehabilitation in combating the crisis.

Resource persons from the Social Welfare Department provided detailed insights into the district’s strategic action plan to curb drug addiction. One of the major highlights of the event was a cultural performance presented by the Department of Information & Public Relations, J&K. The creative skit, themed on drug abuse prevention, powerfully portrayed the devastating impact of addiction on families and communities. The performance called upon society to stand united and take collective responsibility to eliminate the menace from its roots.

It was informed that 346 awareness programmes have been scheduled at the Panchayat level, 88 of which have already been conducted. Additionally, 69 programmes have been planned in municipal areas, with 20 completed so far. To extend this initiative to students, 179 programmes have been scheduled in educational institutions.

During the session, public was urged to make use of the services available at various Drug De-Addiction Centres operating in the district and to encourage affected individuals to seek professional help without stigma.

Speakers at the events reiterated the need for a community-driven approach to effectively tackle the growing challenge of substance abuse. Through discussions, interactive sessions and expert talks, participants were encouraged to act as agents of change within their localities.

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