POONCH: Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited the Dina Nath Rafiq Memorial Government Girls Model Higher Secondary School (Sheesh Mahal), Poonch and took stock of academic activities in the institution. During the visit, the Minister interacted with the faculty members, administrative staff and students, taking stock of ongoing academic and co-curricular activities. She reviewed the teaching standards, infrastructure, availability of learning resources and implementation of various educational schemes.

The Minister emphasized the need to continue striving for excellence in girls education. She lauded the institutes legacy and acknowledged its role in empowering the young women in the region. “This institution stands as a beacon of learning and empowerment for girls and it is our responsibility to ensure that it continues to nurture young girls of this district,” she remarked.

During the visit, the Minister also inspected the classrooms, labs and other infrastructure of the institution. She also held brief interactive session with the students to understand their aspirations and concerns. She encouraged them to pursue their dreams with confidence and integrity, underscoring the importance of education in building a progressive society.

On the occasion, the Minister also held a brief meeting with the school management and faculty, urging them to focus on upgrading the facilities particularly making digital learning tools accessible to students. She assured them government’s continued support in raising educational standards across the region. MLA Haveli, Ajaz Ahmed Jan; MLA Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram; Director School Education Jammu; ADDC Poonch; CEO Poonch; Principal; faculty members and other district officers accompanied the Minister during the visit.

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