JAMMU: Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Sanjeev Verma, today inaugurated a three-day painting camp on the theme “My India, My Vote”  at Kala Kendra, Jammu . The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr. Nirupa Rai, Special Secretary, Office of the Chief Electoral Officer; Harvinder Kour, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL); Sonali Arun Gupta, Additional Secretary, JKAACL; Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra and other senior officers from JKAACL and the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K.

The Painting camp is being organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K from January 19 to January 21, 2026. The initiative aims to encourage creative expression among the artists while simultaneously strengthening public awareness about democratic participation through the powerful medium of art.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Electoral Officer said that Jammu & Kashmir is a vibrant hub of art and culture, endowed with some of the finest sculptures and paintings in the country. He highlighted the region’s rich cultural heritage and expressed gratitude to the participating artists for their enthusiastic involvement, appreciating their efforts in promoting democratic values and voter awareness through artistic expression.

A blend of senior and young artists are participating in the camp including K. K. Gandhi, Vijay Anand, Gokal Dembi, Akram Khan, Jang S. Verman, Shivani Khajuria, Shakti Kumari, Rakesh Sharma, Ankush Kesar, Sunil Dutt, Rakesh Kumar, Surpal Singh Salathia, Mahua Gupta, Anjali Bharti, Narindar Kumar, Parveen Kumar, Monia Kapoor, Nidhi Jain, Sunita Gandhi and Mahesh Sharma. The paintings created during the camp will reflect the spirit of democracy and the importance of voting, reinforcing the message of active civic participation among the public.

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